1st. looks like a good weld...but actually it isn't correct. Notice how grey the weld looks...that's running too hot...may get a decent weld, but wont pass a weld test. The heat lines should also be close to the weld like in pic 2. Quick evidence of too much heat, that you can see while welding, where you cannot see the grey color while welding.
2nd. this is exactly what a good stainless weld looks like. some pinks and blues...NO GREY. this is correct heat.
Stainless needs to be back purged with argon. If you don't, then the chromium comes to the surface as chromium oxide and will lead to cracks (sometimes immediately visible) and ultimately a short weld life. So if you do tubing, the tube needs to be taped shut and filled with a constant flow of argon through it. If you do this, then the inside of that weld will look exactly like the outside...if not then you get the Cr-oxide like this..
The funny thing about SS is that when you are having trouble...turn the heat (amps) DOWN....where as with regular steel you may want to go UP.
If you have access to a TIG machine with PULSE...USE IT. It controls the amps in a square wave and sort of clips it...prevents excess heat going into the metal and causing the chromium to surface. If you don't have pulse...then you strike an arc...make a pool, dab, then reduce the arc to almost nothing allowing the puddle to almost cool off...then move, and repeat. You cannot (easily) weld SS in a normal flowing line like with 1018....unless you are DEAD on with you heat and speed of travel, or use pulse...then you can weld it like butter.
You can polish off the colors after you are done and get a pristine weld like below.
Is welding with stainless steel very different than welding with other materials? I just started a welding class, and I'm trying to get all the basics down. I want to make the most of the class I'm taking. http://www.centralcoastsheetmetal.com.au
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post! I learned a lot in your blog.By the way please visit TKL for stainless steel products!
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned, many welder generators come with some other attachments and they can be used for more than one purpose at the same time. Get More Info
ReplyDeleteNice work done. I have used 308L filler rod, and I like to work with it. I appreciate your work. I am also working on welding and so on. Hope it will help.
ReplyDeleteWelding is a process of joining together any metal (steel or allumunium). It is not an easy job to do welding efficiently. it needs training. Visit this site
ReplyDeleteOperating a welder, regardless of if it's gas or else arc welding, generates light which may be unsafe in the eyes. Just seconds of contact with arc illumination can hurt your vision very seriously, welding helmets
ReplyDeleteUsing welding was a good experience. But, always use helmet in welding
ReplyDeletemyweldingyard