How to TIG Stainless Steel

TIG Welding Stainless Steel pipe Root pass technique

This short video shows bridge tacks vs penetrated tacks, root pass technique and all settings used

Maintaining the corrosion resistance of stainless steel during TIG welding requires careful attention to several key practices:

Use high quality argon Shielding Gas as well as gas lenses:

A large gas lens cup like a furick jazzy 10 will help greatly in getting adequate shielding of the weld area to prevent oxidation and discoloration.

Purging the backside of the weld with argon using a dual flowmeter is essential to protect the weld's integrity and prevent contamination.  

1. Control Heat Input: Limit heat input by avoiding excessively slow travel speeds. Excessive heat can lead to carbide precipitation, which depletes chromium in the stainless steel and reduces its corrosion resistance.  
2. Use Appropriate Filler Material: Select filler materials that meet or exceed the corrosion resistance of the base metal. For instance, using 316L filler rod can help maintain corrosion resistance when welding 316L stainless steels. See stainless steel filler metal chart
3. Proper Cleaning and Preparation: Clean the stainless steel surface thoroughly before welding. Use only stainless steel wire brushes and abrasives that have been used exclusively on stainless steel to prevent contamination.  Wipe with acetone before and after abrasive cleaning.
4. Post-Weld treatment: After welding, consider passivation, electropolishing to restore the protective oxide layer on the stainless steel surface. This process enhances corrosion resistance by removing contaminants and promoting the formation of a passive film.  

By adhering to these practices, you can preserve the inherent corrosion resistance of stainless steel in your TIG welding projects.

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