Common Methods for Welding Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy that is composed of iron, carbon, and at least 10.5% chromium. It’s not the most difficult metal to weld, but it has some unique properties that must be considered when welding.

In this post, we’ll cover the three most common methods for welding stainless steel, including TIG welding, MIG welding, and resistance welding.

TIG welding

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is a type of arc welding that uses low heat, making it ideal for thinner materials. The actual mixture of the gas can vary depending on the specifications of the finished product, but typically, it includes a mixture of argon, helium, hydrogen, and nitrogen. 

The finished product can be protected from oxidation and corrosion through a single-sided welding process that creates backing gas protection between interior and exterior welds. TIG welding is the most common method used for stainless steel.

MIG welding

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a semi-automated process that allows welders to access hard-to-reach areas or complex structures. 

MIG welding uses an argon-rich shielding gas and other gases such as helium, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. MIG welding allows two pieces of material to be joined solidly and can be used to ensure the stability of a finished product.

Resistance welding.

Resistance welding (often called “spot” welding) simply uses electrical current to fuse metal edges together. This can be useful for materials with a low melting point. An experienced welder can complete the job without distorting the rest of the material. Because the equipment is so versatile, it can be used on a variety of project types.

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