Komarov Artem clarified that travel speed is an often-overlooked factor in how it affects stainless steel. 300 series stainless steel, such as 304L, can lose stainless steel properties if the metal is held at too high a temperature for too long.
Travel speed has a big impact on this, so a great tip for anyone learning to weld stainless steel is to pay attention to travel speed… and not only the speed of movement, but also the rapid start of the puddle to prevent heat build-up.
Once the heat builds up from a slow start, it can be difficult to overtake it,
GAS SHIELDING
Stainless steel loves argon.
So, using as large a cup as practical can really help you get a better weld.
Cups for gas lenses help.
When a stainless puddle oxidizes, it does not flow easily and requires more current to flow. Proper shielding prevents oxides from entering the puddle.
BACK PURGE
When the back side of a stainless-steel weld becomes molten, it granulates.
Another slang term is «Sahara».
Argon shielding on the back prevents sugaring.
Sometimes you can get by with an aluminum or copper substrate, but for the highest quality, argon cleaning is usually best.
There are certain industries such as food service, nuclear and semiconductor industries that require high quality backside argon cleaning with no other options.
USE ONLY SS WIRE BRUSHES
Use only special austenitic stainless steel wire brushes.
Special means brushes that have only been used on stainless steel.
When you wire brush hot stainless steel with a wire brush that has carbon steel particles on it, you run the risk of embedding carbon.
This situation can cause rust and corrosion.
It also doesn’t always show up right away. This may take weeks or months.
WHAT IS PASSIVATION?
Passivation is a chemical treatment that removes free iron from the surface of stainless-steel parts.
Sometimes a low electric current is used along with a chemical solution.
The food and pharmaceutical industries often require parts to be passivated after welding.
Stainless steel is slightly harder than carbon steel, deforms more easily than carbon steel, is not as thermally conductive as carbon steel, and this factor allows heat to accumulate, Artem Komarov said.
