3 Ways to Improve Out of Position Welding

Welding out of position does not need to be overly complicated.  It does present a challenge, especially for inexperienced welders, but there are things we can do to make this go well for everyone.  When we talk about out of position welding we mean welding vertical up or overhead.  Vertical down is also out of […]

Frequently Asked Questions About Prequalified Welding Procedures (Stainless Steel)

The following FAQ are related to 280 Stainless Steel Prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications. To learn more or to get your copy simply click here Is this a physical book?  No. The welding procedures are provided as digital files (PDF) and are available for immediate download.  The user has the option to print the files as many […]

Why Welding Stainless Steel Causes Distortion

Austenitic stainless steels, renowned for their corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, are a staple in numerous industries. However, welding these materials often presents a significant challenge: distortion and warpage. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to dimensional inaccuracies, compromised functionality, and costly rework. So, why are austenitic stainless steels so prone to […]

AWS D1.6 Stainless Steel Prequalified Welding Procedures – NOW AVAILABLE

We are excited to officially release our latest collection: ​280 Prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications for Stainless Steel​ As we mentioned during our preview last week, these welding procedures have been developed and prequalified in conformance with AWS D1.6/D1.6M Structural Welding Code – Stainless Steel. ORDER HERE! ORDER HERE! These welding procedures were put together for: […]

How to weld dissimilar metals

Welding engineers know how crucial the right filler metal is, especially when joining dissimilar metals. It’s not just about welding two pieces together and getting them to hold; it’s about creating a welded connection that can withstand the intended service conditions. In the case of stainless steel and other nickel alloys we also want corrosion […]

How to Use Prequalified WPSs for Stainless Steel in Accordance with AWS D1.6

AWS D1.6 is the Structural Welding Code for Stainless Steel.  Its primary concern is with the structural integrity of weldments and not with resistance to corrosion, creep or sensitization.  As a matter of fact, the word “corrosion” appears only eight times in the 9 clauses of AWS D1.6.  Requirements for these concerns are the responsibility […]

How the Metallurgy of 304 and 316 stainless steels affect welding

In our previous post, we introduced the basics of weldng austenitic stainless steels (304, 304L, 316, and 316L). Now, let’s dive deeper into the metallurgy of these alloys. Understanding their composition and grain structure is crucial for achieving sound, high-quality welds. This knowledge empowers welding professionals to make informed decisions about welding processes, filler metals, […]

How to Weld Austenitic Stainless Steels: The Basics

Austenitic stainless steels are a cornerstone of many industries because of their exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, and aesthetic appeal. The most commonly used austenitic stainless steels are  grades 304, 304L, 316, and 316L. This article, the first in a series, will provide an essential overview of these materials, highlighting their unique characteristics and why proper […]

Why Should Metal Fabricators Care About Metallurgy

Metallurgy should matter to all of those involved in welding. Welding is a fascinating process. We take two pieces of metal, heat them up, and fuse them together, creating a single, solid piece. But what’s really happening to the base metal when we weld it with an electric arc, such as that used in GMAW […]

Understanding Element Design: The Foundation for Successful Weld Design

Weld design is a critical aspect of any structural or mechanical project, encompassing the selection of appropriate weld joints, sizing, filler metals, and ensuring both safety and cost-effectiveness. However, before we delve into the specifics of weld design, we must first understand its predecessor: element design.   What is Element Design? Element design is the initial […]