Posted 8/18/2006 19:45 (#37002 - in reply to #36898) Subject: RE: When I was a factory welder...
Austinitic (304, 316, 3xx series) stainless steel has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion and lower thermal conductivity. This equals greater distortion. Each time your weld bead cools down, it has an effect like pulling your beld another notch tighter. Stainless steel will develop an oxidation layer with lower corrosion resistence when it is exposed to air at welding temperatures. That is why the back side of a weld joint may be purged with Argon.
What level of skill is needed to weld stainless steel?
