You may have heard that we are on the lookout for experienced steel fabricators at our Chattanooga fabrication shop. (If you are interested, submit your resume to hr@cbtank.com) This made us think about the types of welding for stainless steel that fabricators use to build custom projects for clients. There are three types of welding that can be done and the process used depends on the thickness and finish of the materials. The main three types of stainless steel fabrication are TIG welding, resistance welding, and MIG welding. Here’s some more information about each of these processes.
TIG Welding
This type of welding is also known as gas tungsten arc welding, and it is known for offering high quality, versatile, and long-lasting products. TIG welding is most often used for stainless steel welding because it is perfect for thin material since it uses a low heat input. The argon gas used for this welding process is often mixed with other gases, such as helium, hydrogen, or nitrogen, depending on the specific project. In order to increase the corrosion resistance, single-sided welding can be used.
Resistance or Spot Welding
This is known as one of the most economical welding processes. The equipment used in resistance or spot welding is incredibly versatile and can be used on both small and large projects. In this type of welding, an electrical current is used to heat frayed metal edges and binds them together. This is especially effective on metals with a low melting point because it doesn’t distort the metal.
MIG Welding
MIG welding is also known as gas metal AC welding and is a semi-automatic process. This process offers an incredibly strong joint of stainless steel. In MIG welding, argon rich shielding gas and a solid wire electrode are used to join the two pieces together into a finished project. Other gases, such as helium, oxygen, and carbon dioxide are used to stabilize the process and improve the quality of the finished product. This welding process is often used because it is easy to use in tough-to-reach spots and complex projects.
When faced with a project, how do you know which welding method is best?
This is where our fabrication team comes in! Choosing the best welding process depends on what qualities the finished product needs to have. Spot welding is often best for projects with a tight budget. However, if the stainless steel your project requires is thin, the TIG welding process may be a better choice.
Our team at Chattanooga Boiler & Tank is made up of engineering and welding experts that work with our clients to evaluate the materials, project requirements, and finished product capabilities to determine the best welding process for your project.