Stainless steel is an alloy based on iron comprising chromium and other components, making it rust-proof and highly corrosion-resistant. Welding can bring unique challenges in the property of stainless steel; therefore, before including stainless steel in your project, you need to understand how welding can affect the metal's properties. The following guide will help you know about the stainless steel welding process and the factors that can affect its properties during the process.
Strength
The strength of the stainless steel can be changed drastically during the welding process. If the welding process takes place with less heat, less penetration will happen. However, if the weld takes place using much heat, it can affect the chemistry of the stainless steel base material. The amount of heat that a stainless steel material will witness depends on the type of welding process that it goes through. For instance, the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Method will put more heat on the stainless steel compared to Gas Metal Arc Welding Process.
Hardness
The resistance of being intended or scratched by another substance is known as hardness. Welding can cause affect stainless steel’s hardness. If a metal is heat treated before the welding takes place to increase its hardness, the material will become soft and lose its heat treatment in the weld heat-affected zone. Some stainless steel materials will get hardened in the welded zone after the process of welding and then will go through a heat treating process subsequently to stress relief, anneal, or normalize the material.
Also Read: - https://shalco.com/blog/guide-to-stainless-steel-welding-rod/
Ductility
The ability of a metal to be stretched or deformed by applying load is known as ductility. Ductility is associated with the strength of the material. Gas tungsten arc welding puts more heat on the stainless steel compared to gas metal arc welding method or shielded metal arc welding; therefore, the ductility property of stainless steel can sometimes get affected by adding a weld.
Corrosion resistance
The welding process affects the corrosion-resistant property of metals greatly. The ability to resist corrosion of stainless steel is impacted greatly by welding. Overheating of stainless steel at the time of the welding process will separate the alloy elements and will require the formation of sugar or carbide precipitation. Apart from stainless steel, many corrosion-resistant metals can be easily susceptible to cracking and corrosion resistance. How much a welding process affects the corrosion-resistant property of stainless steel will depend on whether you are going for the gas metal arc welding process, gas tungsten arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, or flux core arc welding method.
Rusting
Stainless steel can withstand great corrosion under normal circumstances; however, in extreme conditions, it can rust. Rusting of stainless steel occurs during the welding process when the chromium oxide layer that protects the stainless steel from rusting is removed or destroyed. This usually happens at the time of welding, either during the cooling or heating process. Rust is one of the biggest challenges with stainless steel at the time of the welding process. This is the reason why prepping and cleaning the stainless steel before welding is important. With prepped and properly cleaned stainless steel pieces chromium oxide act as a protective seal against rusting during the process of welding and will also protect the stainless steel against permanent marks and discoloration.
Conclusion
Every type of metal exhibits certain physical properties that can be changed or altered during welding. Understanding the metal properties and how they can be altered will help you make the necessary adjustments and encounter problems during welding. The growth of stainless steel in terms of popularity has risen, and if you are planning to buy stainless steel for your project, then you can get it from authentic and reputed dealers such as Shalco Industries.