WELDING GUIDE

STAINLESS STEELS
properties • how to weld them • where to use them
STAINLESS STEELS TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROPERTIES – 1.0 Introduction ........................ 2
HOW TO WELD THEM 2.0 Types of Stainless Steels... 2
WHERE TO USE THEM 2.1 Ferrite Promoters
2.2 Austenite Promoters
2.3 Neutral Effect
A description of the physical and mechanical properties of a 3.0 Weldability of Stainless
variety of commercial stainless steels. Recommendations on the Steels ....................................2
applications of each type and how to arc weld each including 3.1 Ferritic Stainless Steels
3.2 Martensitic Stainless
filler materials.
Steels
3.3 Austenitic Stainless
By Steels
Damian Kotecki, PhD 3.3.1 Sensitization
Technical Director, Stainless and High Alloy 3.3.2 Hot Cracking
Product Development 3.4 Precipitation Hardening
Stainless Steels
and 3.5 Duplex Stainless Steels
4.0 Physical Properties .......... 10
Frank Armao
Senior Application Engineer 5.0 Mechanical Properties ..... 10
6.0 Selection of a Stainless
Steel ....................................12
7.0 Design for Welding
Stainless Steels ..................14
8.0 Selection of Filler Metals ...14
9.0 Selection of a Welding
Process ...............................18
9.1 Shielded Metal Arc
Welding
9.2 Submerged Arc Welding
9.3 Gas Metal Arc Welding
9.4 Flux Cored Arc Welding
9.5 Gas Tungsten Arc
Welding
10.0 Procedures for Welding
Stainless Steels ..................21
10.1 Welding with the Shielded
Metal Arc Process
10.2 Welding with the
Submerged Arc Process
10.3 Welding with the Gas
Metal Arc Process
10.4 Welding with the Gas
Tungsten Arc Process
Sources of Additional
Information
Copyright © 2003 Safety in Welding
by The Lincoln Electric Company
All Rights Reserved
 WELDING OF STAINLESS STEELS

1.0 INTRODUCTION and austenitic precipitation hardening

stainless steels. They are identified
3.0
as the 600-series of stainless steels WELDABILITY
Stainless steels are defined as iron (e.g., 630, 631, 660).
base alloys which contain at least OF STAINLESS
The alloying elements which appear
10.5% chromium. The thin but
dense chromium oxide film which
in stainless steels are classed as STEELS
ferrite promoters and austenite
forms on the surface of a stainless
promoters and are listed below. Most stainless steels are considered
steel provides corrosion resistance
and prevents further oxidation. There to have good weldability and may be
are five types of stainless steels 2.1 welded by several welding processes
depending on the other alloying FERRITE PROMOTERS including the arc welding processes,
additions present, and they range resistance welding, electron and
from fully austenitic to fully ferritic. laser beam welding, friction welding
Chromium – provides basic and brazing. For any of these
corrosion resistance. processes, joint surfaces and any
Molybdenum – provides high filler metal must be clean.
2.0 temperature strength and increases The coefficient of thermal expansion
TYPES OF corrosion resistance. for the austenitic types is 50%
greater than that of carbon steel and
STAINLESS STEELS Niobium (Columbium), Titanium –
this must be considered to minimize
strong carbide formers.
distortion. The low thermal and
Austenitic stainless steels include 2.2 electrical conductivity of austenitic
the 200 and 300 series of which stainless steel is generally helpful in
type 304 is the most common. The AUSTENITE PROMOTERS welding. Less welding heat is
primary alloying additions are required to make a weld because the
chromium and nickel. Ferritic Nickel – provides high temperature heat is not conducted away from a
stainless steels are non-hardenable strength and ductility. joint as rapidly as in carbon steel. In
Fe-Cr alloys. Types 405, 409, 430, resistance welding, lower current can
422 and 446 are representative of Carbon – carbide former, be used because resistivity is higher.
this group. Martensitic stainless strengthener. Stainless steels which require special
steels are similar in composition to Nitrogen – increases strength, welding procedures are discussed in
the ferritic group but contain higher reduces toughness. later sections.
carbon and lower chromium to
permit hardening by heat treatment. 2.3 3.1
Types 403, 410, 416 and 420 are
representative of this group. Duplex
NEUTRAL EFFECT FERRITIC
stainless steels are supplied with a STAINLESS STEELS
microstructure of approximately equal • Regarding Austenite & Ferrite
amounts of ferrite and austenite.
Manganese – sulfide former The ferritic stainless steels contain
They contain roughly 24% chromium
and 5% nickel. Their numbering Silicon – wetting agent 10.5 to 30% Cr, up to 0.20% C and
system is not included in the 200, sometimes ferrite promoters Al, Nb
Sulfur and Selenium – improve (Cb), Ti and Mo. They are ferritic at
300 or 400 groups. Precipitation
machinability, cause hot cracking all temperatures, do not transform to
hardening stainless steels contain
in welds. austenite and therefore, are not
alloying additions such as aluminum
which allow them to be hardened by hardenable by heat treatment. This
a solution and aging heat treatment. group includes the more common
They are further classified into sub types 405, 409, 430, 442 and 446.
groups as martensitic, semiaustenitic Table I lists the nominal composition

2
 TABLE I — Nominal Compositions of Ferritic Stainless Steels

UNS Composition - Percent *

Type Number C Mn Si Cr Ni P S Other
405 S40500 0.08 1.00 1.00 11.5-14.5 0.04 0.03 0.10-0.30 Al
409 S40900 0.08 1.00 1.00 10.5-11.75 0.045 0.045 6 x %C min. TI
429 S42900 0.12 1.00 1.00 14.0-16.0 0.04 0.03
430 S43000 0.12 1.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 0.04 0.03
430F** S43020 0.12 1.25 1.00 16.0-18.0 0.06 0.15 min. 0.06 Mo
430FSe** S43023 0.12 1.25 1.00 16.0-18.0 0.06 0.06 0.15 min. Se
430Ti S43036 0.10 1.00 1.00 16.0-19.5 0.75 0.04 0.03 5 x %C - Ti min.
434 S43400 0.12 1.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 0.04 0.03 0.75-1.25 Mo
436 S43600 0.12 1.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 0.04 0.03 0.75-1.25 Mo;
5 x %C min.
Nb(Cb) + Ta
442 S44200 0.20 1.00 1.00 18.0-23.0 0.04 0.03
444 S44400 0.025 1.00 1.00 17.5-19.5 1.00 0.04 0.03 1.75-2.5 Mo, 0.035 N
0.2 + 4 (%C + %N);
(Ti +Nb(Cb) )
446 S44600 0.20 1.50 1.00 23.0-27.0 0.04 0.03 0.25 N
18-2FM** S18200 0.08 2.50 1.00 17.5-19.5 0.04 0.15 min.
18SR 0.04 0.3 1.00 18.0 2.0 Al; 0.4 Ti
26-1 S44625 0.01 0.40 0.40 25.0-27.5 0.50 0.02 0.02 0.75-1.5 Mo; 0.015N;
(E-Brite) 0.2 Cu; 0.5 (Ni+Cu)
26-1Ti S44626 0.06 0.75 0.75 25.0-27.0 0.5 0.04 0.02 0.75-1.5 Mo; 0.04 N;
0.2 Cu; 0.2-1.0 Ti
29-4 S44700 0.01 0.30 0.20 28.0-30.0 0.15 0.025 0.02 3.5-4.2 Mo
29-4-2 S44800 0.01 0.30 0.20 28.0-30.0 2.0-2.5 0.025 0.02 3.5-4.2 Mo
Monit S44635 0.25 1.00 0.75 24.5-26.0 3.5-4.5 0.04 0.03 3.5-4.5 Mo;
0.3-0.6 (Ti + Nb(Cb) )
Sea-cure/ S44660 0.025 1.00 0.75 25.0-27.0 1.5-3.5 0.04 0.03 2.5-3.5 Mo;
Sc-1 0.2 + 4 (%C + %N)
(Ti + Nb(Cb) )

*Single values are maximum values. **These grades are generally (From ASM Metals Handbook, Ninth Edition, Volume 3)
considered to be unweldable.

of a number of standard and several 3.2 Chromium and carbon content of the
non-standard ferritic stainless steels. filler metal should generally match
They are characterized by weld and
MARTENSITIC these elements in the base metal.
HAZ grain growth which can result in STAINLESS STEELS Type 410 filler is available as covered
low toughness of welds. electrode, solid wire and cored wire
The martensitic stainless steels and can be used to weld types 402,
To weld the ferritic stainless steels,
contain 11 to 18% Cr, up to 1.20% C 410, 414 and 420 steels. Type
filler metals should be used which
and small amounts of Mn and Ni 410NiMo filler metal can also be
match or exceed the Cr level of the
and, sometimes, Mo. These steels used. When it is necessary to match
base alloy. Type 409 is available as
will transform to austenite on heating the carbon in Type 420 steel, Type
metal cored wire and Type 430 is
and, therefore, can be hardened by 420 filler, which is available as solid
available in all forms. Austenitic
formation of martensite on cooling. wire and cored wire, should be used.
Types 309 and 312 may be used for
This group includes Types 403, 410, Types 308, 309 and 310 austenitic
dissimilar joints. To minimize grain
414, 416, 420, 422, 431 and 440. filler metals can be used to weld the
growth, weld heat input should be
Both standard and non-standard martensitic steels to themselves or to
minimized, Preheat should be limited
martensitic stainless steels are listed other steels where good as-
to 300-450°F and used only for the
in Table II. They have a tendency deposited toughness is required.
higher carbon ferritic stainless steels
(e.g., 430, 434, 442 and 446). Many toward weld cracking on cooling Preheating and interpass temperature
of the highly alloyed ferritic stainless when hard brittle martensite is in the 400 to 600°F (204 to 316°C)
steels are only available in sheet and formed. range is recommended for most
tube forms and are usually welded
by GTA without filler metal.
3
 TABLE II — Nominal Compositions of Martensitic Stainless Steels

UNS Composition - Percent *

Type Number C Mn Si Cr Ni P S Other
403 S40300 0.15 1.00 0.50 11.5-13.0 0.04 0.03
410 S41000 0.15 1.00 1.00 11.5-13.0 0.04 0.03
410Cb S41040 0.18 1.00 1.00 11.5-13.5 0.04 0.03 0.05-0.3 Nb(Cb)
410S S41008 0.08 1.00 1.00 11.5-13.5 0.6 0.04 0.03
414 S41400 0.15 1.00 1.00 11.5-13.5 1.25-2.50 0.04 0.03
414L 0.06 0.50 0.15 12.5-13.0 2.5-3.0 0.04 0.03 0.5 Mo; 0.03 Al
416 S41600 0.15 1.25 1.00 12.0-14.0 0.04 0.03 0.6 Mo
416Se** S41623 0.15 1.25 1.00 12.0-14.0 0.06 0.06 0.15 min. Se
416 Plus X** S41610 0.15 1.5-2.5 1.00 12.0-14.0 0.06 0.15 min. 0.6 Mo
420 S42000 0.15 min. 1.00 1.00 12.0-14.0 0.04 0.03
420F** S42020 0.15 min. 1.25 1.00 12.0-14.0 0.06 0.15 min. 0.6 Mo
422 S42200 0.20-0.25 1.00 0.75 11.0-13.0 0.5-1.0 0.025 0.025 0.75-1.25 Mo;
0.75-1.25 W;
0.15-0.3 V
431 S43100 0.20 1.00 1.00 15.0-17.0 1.25-2.50 0.04 0.03
440A S44002 0.60-0.75 1.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 0.04 0.03 0.75 Mo
440B S44003 0.75-0.95 1.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 0.04 0.03 0.75 Mo
440C S44004 0.95-1.20 1.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 0.04 0.03 0.75 Mo

*Single values are maximum values. **These grades are generally (From ASM Metals Handbook, Ninth Edition, Volume 3)
considered to be unweldable.

martensitic stainless steels. Steels discussed further. To achieve this, boundaries, thereby reducing the
with over 0.20% C often require a Type 308 is used for Type 302 and corrosion resistance of these local
post weld heat treatment to soften 304 and Type 347 for Type 321. The areas. This problem can be
and toughen the weld. others should be welded with remedied by using low carbon base
matching filler. Type 347 can also be material and filler material to reduce
welded with Type 308H filler. These the amount of carbon available to
3.3 filler materials are available as coated combine with chromium. Welds
electrodes, solid bare wire and cored should be made without preheat and
AUSTENITIC STAINLESS wire. Type 321 is available on a with minimum heat input to shorten
STEEL limited basis as solid and cored wire. the time in the sensitization
temperature range.
Two problems are associated with
The austenitic stainless steels contain welds in the austenitic stainless The degree of carbide precipitation
16-26% Cr, 8-24% Ni + Mn, up to steels: 1) sensitization of the weld increases with:
0.40% C and small amounts of a few heat affected zone, and 2) hot
other elements such as Mo, Ti, Nb 1. Higher carbon content (for
cracking of weld metal.
(Cb) and Ta. The balance between example, because 301 and 302
the Cr and Ni + Mn is normally grades have a maximum carbon
adjusted to provide a microstructure content of 0.15% they are more
3.3.1 SENSITIZATION: susceptible to carbon precipitation
of 90-100% austenite. These alloys
are characterized by good strength than grade 304 which has a
and high toughness over a wide Sensitization leads to intergranular maximum carbon content of only
temperature range and oxidation corrosion in the heat affected zone as 0.08%).
resistance to over 1000°F (538°C). shown in Figure 1. Sensitization is 2. Time at the critical mid-range
This group includes Types 302, 304, caused by chromium carbide temperatures – a few seconds at
310, 316, 321 and 347. Nominal formation and precipitation at grain 1200°F (649°C) can do more
composition of these and other boundaries in the heat affected zone damage than several minutes at
austenitic stainless steels are listed in when heated in the 800 to 1600°F 850°F (454°C) or 1450°F (788°C).
Table III. Filler metals for these (427 to 871°C) temperature range.
alloys should generally match the Since most carbon is found near Welding naturally produces a
base metal but for most alloys, grain boundaries, chromium carbide temperature gradient in the steel. It
provide a microstructure with some formation removes some chromium ranges from melting temperature at
ferrite to avoid hot cracking as will be from solution near the grain the weld to room temperature some

4
distance from the weld. A narrow the chromium in solution to provide Stabilized Grades (321, 347, 348)
zone on each side of the weld corrosion resistance. Type 321 con-
Stabilized grades contain small
remains in the sensitizing tains titanium and Type 347 contains
amounts of titanium (321), niobium
temperature range for sufficient time niobium (columbium) and tantalum,
(columbium) (347), or a combination
for precipitation to occur. If used in all of which are stronger carbide
of niobium and tantalum (347, 348).
severely corrosive conditions, lines of formers than chromium.
These elements have a stronger
damaging corrosion appear
ELC – Extra Low Carbon – affinity for carbon then does
alongside each weld.
Grades (304L, 308L) chromium, so they combine with the
Control of Carbide Precipitation carbon leaving the chromium to
The 0.04% maximum carbon
provide corrosion resistance.
The amount of carbide precipitation content of ELC grades helps
is reduced by promoting rapid eliminate damaging carbide These grades are most often used in
cooling. Fortunately, the copper chill precipitation caused by welding. severe corrosive conditions when
bars, skip welding and other These grades are most often used service temperatures reach the
techniques needed to control for weldments which operate in sensitizing range. They are welded
distortion in sheet metal (see pg 34) severe corrosive conditions at with the niobium stabilized
help reduce carbide precipitation. temperatures under 800°F (427°C). electrodes, AWS E347-XX.
Annealing the weldment at 1900°F
ELC steels are generally welded with Type 321 electrodes are not
(1038°C) or higher, followed by water
the ELC electrode, AWS E308L-XX. generally made because titanium is
quench, eliminates carbide
Although the stabilized electrodes lost in the arc. AWS E347-XX is
precipitation, but this is an expensive
AWS E347-XX produce welds of usually quite satisfactory for joining
and often impractical procedure.
equal resistance to carbide type 321 base metal.
Therefore, when weldments operate
precipitation and similar mechanical
in severe corrosive applications or Molybdenum Grades
properties, the ELC electrode welds (316, 316L, 317, 317L, D319)
within the sensitizing temperature
tend to be less crack sensitive on
range, either ELC or stablilized Molybdenum in stainless steel
heavy sections and have better low
grades are needed. increases the localized corrosion
temperature notch toughness.
Another remedy is to use stabilized resistance to many chemicals. These
The low carbon content in ELC steels are particularly effective in
stainless steel base metal and filler
grades leaves more chromium to combatting pitting corrosion. Their
materials which contain elements
provide resistance to intergranular most frequent use is in industrial
that will react with carbon, leaving all
corrosion.

FIGURE 1
5
 TABLE III — Nominal Compositions of Austenitic Stainless Steels
UNS Composition - Percent *
Type Number C Mn Si Cr Ni P S Other
201 S20100 0.15 5.5-7.5 1.00 16.0-18.0 3.5-5.5 0.06 0.03 0.25 N
202 S20200 0.15 7.5-10.0 1.00 17.0-19.0 4.0-6.0 0.06 0.03 0.25 N
205 S20500 0.12-0.25 14.0-15.5 1.00 16.5-18.0 1.0-1.75 0.06 0.03 0.32-0.40 N
216 S21600 0.08 7.5-9.0 1.00 17.5-22.0 5.0-7.0 0.045 0.03 2.0-3.0 Mo; 0.25-0.5 N
301 S30100 0.15 2.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 6.0-8.0 0.045 0.03
302 S30200 0.15 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 8.0-10.0 0.045 0.03
302B S30215 0.15 2.00 2.0-3.0 17.0-19.0 8.0-10.0 0.045 0.03
303** S30300 0.15 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 8.0-10.0 0.20 0.15 min. 0.6 Mo
303Se** S30323 0.15 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 8.0-10.0 0.20 0.06 0.15 min. Se
304 S30400 0.08 2.00 1.00 18.0-20.0 8.0-10.5 0.045 0.03
304H S30409 0.04-0.10 2.00 1.00 18.0-20.0 8.0-10.5 0.045 0.03
304L S30403 0.03 2.00 1.00 18.0-20.0 8.0-12.0 0.045 0.03
304LN S30453 0.03 2.00 1.00 18.0-20.0 8.0-10.5 0.045 0.03 0.10-0.15 N
S30430 S30430 0.08 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 8.0-10.0 0.045 0.03 3.0-4.0 Cu
304N S30451 0.08 2.00 1.00 18.0-20.0 8.0-10.5 0.045 0.03 0.10-0.16 N
304HN S30452 0.04-0.10 2.00 1.00 18.0-20.0 8.0-10.5 0.045 0.03 0.10-0.16 N
305 S30500 0.12 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 10.5-13.0 0.045 0.03
308 S30800 0.08 2.00 1.00 19.0-21.0 10.0-12.0 0.045 0.03
308L 0.03 2.00 1.00 19.0-21.0 10.0-12.0 0.045 0.03
309 S30900 0.20 2.00 1.00 22.0-24.0 12.0-15.0 0.045 0.03
309S S30908 0.08 2.00 1.00 22.0-24.0 12.0-15.0 0.045 0.03
309S Cb S30940 0.08 2.00 1.00 22.0-24.0 12.0-15.0 0.045 0.03 8 x %C - Nb(Cb)
309 Cb + Ta 0.08 2.00 1.00 22.0-24.0 12.0-15.0 0.045 0.03 8 x %C (Nb(Cb) + Ta)
310 S31000 0.25 2.00 1.50 24.0-26.0 19.0-22.0 0.045 0.03
310S S31008 0.08 2.00 1.50 24.0-26.0 19.0-22.0 0.045 0.03
312 0.15 2.00 1.00 30.0 nom. 9.0 nom. 0.045 0.03
254SMo S31254 0.020 1.00 0.80 19.5-20.5 17.50-18.5 0.03 0.010 6.00-6.50Mo; 0.18-0.22N;
Cu=0.5-1.00
314 S31400 0.25 2.00 1.5-3.0 23.0-26.0 19.0-22.0 0.045 0.03
316 S31600 0.08 2.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 10.0-14.0 0.045 0.03 2.0-3.0 Mo
316F** S31620 0.08 2.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 10.0-14.0 0.20 0.10 min. 1.75-2.5 Mo
316H S31609 0.04-0.10 2.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 10.0-14.0 0.045 0.03 2.0-3.0 Mo
316L S31603 0.03 2.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 10.0-14.0 0.045 0.03 2.0-3.0 Mo
316LN S31653 0.03 2.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 10.0-14.0 0.045 0.03 2.0-3.0 Mo; 0.10-0.30 N
316N S31651 0.08 2.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 10.0-14.0 0.045 0.03 2.0-3.0 Mo; 0.10-0.16 N
317 S31700 0.08 2.00 1.00 18.0-20.0 11.0-15.0 0.045 0.03 3.0-4.0 Mo
317L S31703 0.03 2.00 1.00 18.0-20.0 11.0-15.0 0.045 0.03 3.0-4.0 Mo
317M S31725 0.03 2.00 1.00 18.0-20.0 12.0-16.0 0.045 0.03 4.0-5.0 Mo
321 S32100 0.08 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 9.0-12.0 0.045 0.03 5 x %C min. Ti
321H S32109 0.04-0.10 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 9.0-12.0 0.045 0.03 5 x %C min. Ti
329 S32900 0.10 2.00 1.00 25.0-30.0 3.0-6.0 0.045 0.03 1.0-2.0 Mo
330 N08330 0.08 2.00 0.75-1.5 17.0-20.0 34.0-37.0 0.04 0.03
AL6-XN N80367 0.030 2.00 1.00 20.0-22.0 23.5-25.5 0.04 0.03 6.00-7.00Mo; 0.18-0.25N;
Cu=0.75
330HC 0.40 1.50 1.25 19.0 nom. 35.0 nom.
332 0.04 1.00 0.50 21.5 nom. 32.0 nom. 0.045 0.03
347 S34700 0.08 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 9.0-13.0 0.045 0.03 10 x %C min. Nb(Cb) +Ta
347H S34709 0.04-0.10 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 9.0-13.0 0.045 0.03 10 x %C min. Nb(Cb) + Ta
348 S34800 0.08 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 9.0-13.0 0.045 0.03 0.2 Cu; 10 x %C min. Nb(Cb) + Ta(c)
348H S34809 0.04-0.10 2.00 1.00 17.0-19.0 9.0-13.0 0.045 0.03 0.2 Cu; 10 x %C min. Nb(Cb) + Ta
384 S38400 0.08 2.00 1.00 15.0-17.0 17.0-19.0 0.045 0.03
Nitronic 32 S24100 0.10 12.0 0.50 18.0 1.6 0.35 N
Nitronic 33 S24000 0.06 13.0 0.5 18.0 3.0 0.30 N
Nitronic 40 S21900 0.08 8.0-10.0 1.00 18.0-20.0 5.0-7.0 0.06 0.03 0.15-0.40 N
Nitronic 50 S20910 0.06 4.0-6.0 1.00 20.5-23.5 11.5-13.5 0.04 0.03 1.5-3.0 Mo; 0.2-0.4 N;
0.1-0.3 Cb; 0.1-0.3 V
Nitronic 60 S21800 0.10 7.0-9.0 3.5-4.5 16.0-18.0 8.0-9.0 0.04 0.03 1.5-3.0 Mo; 0.2-0.4 N;

6
*Single values are maximum values. (From ASM Metals Handbook, Ninth Edition, Volume 3) **These grades are generally
considered to be unweldable.
processing equipment. 316 and E310-XX welds on heavy plate tend cracks will appear as the weld cools
316L are welded with AWS E316L- to be more crack sensitive than and shrinkage stresses develop.
XX electrodes. E309-XX weld metals.
Hot cracking can be prevented by
316L and 317L are ELC grades that Free Machining Grades adjusting the composition of the
must be welded with ELC type (303, 303Se) base material and filler material to
electrodes to maintain resistance to obtain a microstructure with a small
Production welding of these grades
carbide precipitation. 317 and 317L amount of ferrite in the austenite
is not recommended because the
are generally welded with E317 or matrix. The ferrite provides ferrite-
sulfur or selenium and phosphorus
E317L electrodes respectively. They austenite grain boundaries which are
cause severe porosity and hot short
can be welded with AWS E316-XX able to control the sulfur and
cracking.
electrode, but the welds are slightly phosphorous compounds so they do
lower in molybdenum content than If welding is necessary, special E312- not permit hot cracking. This
the base metal with a corresponding XX or E309-XX electrodes are problem could be avoided by
lower corrosion resistance. recommended because their high reducing the S and P to very low
ferrite reduces cracking tendencies. amounts, but this would increase
When hot oxidizing acids are Use techniques that reduce significantly the cost of making the
encountered in service, E316, admixture of base metal into the steel.
E316L, E317 or E317L welds may weld metal and produce convex
have poor corrosion resistance in the Normally a ferrite level of 4 FN
bead shapes.
as-welded condition. In such cases, minimum is recommended to avoid
E309 or E309Cb electrodes may be hot cracking. Ferrite is best
better. As an alternative, the following 3.3.2 HOT CRACKING: determined by measurement with a
heat treatment will restore corrosion magnetic instrument calibrated to
resistance to the weld: AWS A4.2 or ISO 8249. It can also
Hot cracking is caused by low
1. For 316 or 317 – full anneal at melting materials such as metallic be estimated from the composition of
1950-2050°F (1066-1121°C). compounds of sulfur and the base material and filler material
phosphorous which tend to penetrate with the use of any of several consti-
2. For 316L and 317L – stress relieve tution diagrams. The oldest of these
grain boundaries. When these
at 1600°F (871°C). is the 1948 Schaeffler Diagram. The
compounds are present in the weld
High Temperature Grades or heat affected zone, they will Cr equivalent (% Cr + % Mo + 1.5 x
(302B, 304H, 309, penetrate grain boundaries and % Si + 0.5 x % Cb) is plotted on
309S, 310, 310S)
These high alloy grades
maintain strength at high
temperatures and have
good scaling resistance.
Nieq = Ni + 35C + 20N + 0.25Cu

They are primarily used

in industrial equipment at
high service
temperatures –
sometimes over 2000°F
(1093°C).
AWS E310-XX
electrodes are needed to
match the high
temperature properties
and scaling resistance of
grades 310 and 310S.
302B and 309 grades
are generally welded
with E309-XX
electrodes. 304H is Creq = Cr + Mo + 0.7Cb
generally welded with
E308H-XX electrodes. FIGURE 2 — New 1992 WRC diagram including solidification mode boundaries.
E310-XX electrodes can (Updated from T.A. Siewert, C.N. McCowan and D.L. Olson – Welding Journal,
be used on light plate. December 1988 by D.J. Kotecki and T.A. Siewert - Welding Journal, May 1992.)

7
 TABLE IV — Nominal Compositions of Precipitation Hardening and Duplex Stainless Steels
UNS Composition - Percent * ASTM
A
Type Number C Mn Si Cr Ni P S GRADE Other
Precipitation-Hardening Types
PH 13-8 Mo S13800 0.05 0.10 0.10 12.25-13.25 7.5-8.5 0.01 0.008 2.0-2.5 Mo;
0.90-1.35 Al; 0.01 N
15-5 PH S15500 0.07 1.00 1.00 14.0-15.5 3.5-5.5 0.04 0.03 2.5-4.5 Cu;
0.15-0.45 Nb(Cb) + Ta
17-4 PH S17400 0.07 1.00 1.00 15.5-17.5 3.0-5.0 0.04 0.03 630 3.0-5.0 Cu;
0.15-0.45 Nb(Cb) + Ta
17-7 PH S17700 0.09 1.00 1.00 16.0-18.0 6.5-7.75 0.04 0.03 631 0.75-1.15 Al
PH 15-7 Mo S15700 0.09 1.00 1.00 14.0-16.0 6.5-7.75 0.04 0.03 2.0-3.0 Mo; 0.75-1.5 Al
17-10 P 0.07 0.75 0.50 17.0 10.5 0.28
A286 S66286 0.08 2.00 1.00 13.5-16.0 24.0-27.0 0.040 0.030 660 1.0-1.5 Mo; 2 Ti; 0.3 V
AM350 S35000 0.07-0.11 0.5-1.25 0.50 16.0-17.0 4.0-5.0 0.04 0.03 2.5-3.25 Mo; 0.07-0.13 N
AM355 S35500 0.10-0.15 0.5-1.25 0.50 15.0-16.0 4.0-5.0 0.04 0.03 2.5-3.25 Mo
AM363 0.04 0.15 0.05 11.0 4.0 0.25 Ti
Custom 450 S45000 0.05 1.00 1.00 14.0-16.0 5.0-7.0 0.03 0.03 1.25-1.75 Cu; 0.5-1.0 Mo
8 x %C - Nb(Cb)
Custom 455 S45500 0.05 0.50 0.50 11.0-12.5 7.5-9.5 0.04 0.03 0.5 Mo; 1.5-2.5 Cu;
0.8-1.4 Ti; 0.1-0.5 Nb(Cb)
Stainless W S17600 0.08 1.00 1.00 16.0-17.5 6.0-7.5 0.04 0.03 0.4 Al; 0.4-1.2 Ti
Duplex Types
2205 S32205 0.03 2.0 1.0 22.0 5.5 0.03 0.02 3.0 Mo; 0.18 N
2304 S32304 0.03 2.5 1.0 23.0 4.0 0.1 N
255 0.04 1.5 1.0 25.5 5.5 3.0 Mo; 0.17 N; 2.0 Cu
NU744LN 0.067 1.7 0.44 21.6 4.9 2.4 Mo; 0.10 N; 0.2 Cu
2507 S32750 0.03 1.2 0.8 25 5.5 0.035 0.020 4 Mo; 0.28 N
*Single values are maximum values. (From ASM Metals Handbook, Ninth Edition, Volume 3) and ASTM A638

the horizontal axis and the nickel (% Ni + 35 x % C + 20 x % N + 0.25 which can be calibrated to AWS A4.2
equivalent (% Ni + 30 x % C + 0.5 x Cu) and Cr equivalent (% Cr + % Mo or ISO 8249 and provide readings in
% Mn) on the vertical axis. Despite + 0.7 x % Cb) differ from those of Ferrite Number.
long use, the Schaeffler Diagram is Schaeffler and WRC-DeLong.
The amount of ferrite normally should
now outdated because it does not
Ferrite Number may be estimated by not be greater than necessary to
consider nitrogen effects and
drawing a horizontal line across the prevent hot cracking with some
because it has not proven possible to
diagram from the nickel equivalent margin of safety. The presence of
establish agreement among several
number and a vertical line from the ferrite can reduce corrosion
measurers as to the ferrite percent in
chromium equivalent number. The resistance in certain media and
a given weld metal.
Ferrite Number is indicated by the excess ferrite can impair ductility and
An improvement on the Schaeffler diagonal line which passes through toughness.
Diagram is the 1973 WRC-DeLong the intersection of the horizontal and
Diagram, which can be used to vertical lines. 3.4
estimate ferrite level. The main
Predictions by the WRC-1992 and
PRECIPITATION HARDENING
differences are that the DeLong STAINLESS STEELS
WRC-DeLong Diagrams for common
Diagram includes nitrogen (N) in the
grades like 308 are similar, but the
Ni equivalent (% Ni + 30 x % C x 30
WRC-1992 diagram generally is more There are three categories of precipi-
x % N + 0.5 x % Mn) and shows
accurate for higher alloy and less tation hardening stainless steels –
Ferrite Numbers in addition to
common grades like high manganese martensitic, semiaustenitic and
“percent ferrite.” Ferrite Numbers at
austenitic or duplex ferritic-austenitic austenitic.
low levels may approximate “percent
stainless steels.
ferrite.” The most recent diagram, The martensitic stainless steels can
the WRC-1992 Diagram, Figure 2, is Ferrite Number can be measured be hardened by quenching from the
considered to be the most accurate directly on weld deposits from the austenitizing temperature [around
predicting diagram at present. The magnetic properties of the ferrite. 1900°F (1038°C)] then aging
WRC-1992 Diagram has replaced the Several instruments are available between 900 to 1150°F (482 to
WRC-DeLong Diagram in the ASME commercially, including the Magne 621°C). Since these steels contain
Code with publication of the 1994-95 Gage, the Severn Gage, the less than 0.07% carbon, the marten-
Winter Addendum. Its Ni equivalent Inspector Gage and the Ferritescope
8
site is not very hard and the main hardened only by the aging reaction. and with minimum heat input. Nickel
hardening is obtained from the aging This would include solution treating base alloy filler metals of the NiCrFe
(precipitation) reaction. Examples of between 1800 and 2050°F (982 to type or conventional austenitic stain-
this group are 17-4PH, 15-5PH and 1121°C), oil or water quenching and less steel type are often preferred.
PH13-8Mo. Nominal compositions aging at 1300 to 1350°F (704 to
of precipitation hardening stainless 732°C) for up to 24 hours.
steels are listed in Table IV. Examples of these steels include 3.5
The semiaustenitic stainless steels
A286 and 17-10P. DUPLEX STAINLESS STEELS
will not transform to martensite when If maximum strength is required in
cooled from the austenitizing temper- martensitic and semiaustenitic pre- Duplex Ferritic – Austenitic
ature because the martensite cipitation hardening stainless steels, Stainless Steels
transformation temperature is below matching or nearly matching filler
Duplex stainless steels solidify as
room temperature. These steels metal should be used and the com-
100% ferrite, but about half of the
must be given a conditioning ponent, before welding, should be in
ferrite transforms to austenite during
treatment which consists of heating the annealed or solution annealed
cooling through temperatures above
in the range of 1350 to 1750°F (732 condition. Often, Type 630 filler
approx. 1900°F (1040°C). This
to 954°C) to precipitate carbon metal, which is nearly identical with
behavior is accomplished by
and/or alloy elements as carbides or 17-4PH base metal, is used for
increasing Cr and decreasing Ni as
intermetallic compounds. This martensitic and semiaustenitic PH
compared to austenitic grades.
removes alloy elements from solution, stainlesses. After welding, a
Nitrogen is deliberately added to
thereby destabilizing the austenite, complete solution heat treatment
speed up the rate of austenite
which raises the martensite plus an aging treatment is preferred.
formation during cooling. Duplex
transformation temperature so that a If the post weld solution treatment is
stainless steels are ferromagnetic.
martensite structure will be obtained not feasible, the components should
They combine higher strength than
on cooling to room temperature. be solution treated before welding
austenitic stainless steels with
Aging the steel between 850 and then aged after welding. Thick
fabrication properties similar to
1100°F (454 to 593°C) will stress sections of highly restrained parts
austenitics, and with resistance to
relieve and temper the martensite to are sometimes welded in the
chloride stress corrosion cracking of
increase toughness, ductility, hard- overaged condition. These would
ferritic stainless steels. The most
ness and corrosion resistance. require a full heat treatment after
common grade is 2205 (UNS
Examples of this group are 17-7PH, welding to attain maximum strength.
S32205), consisting of 22%Cr, 5%Ni,
PH 15-7 Mo and AM 350.
The austenitic precipitation hardening 3%Mo and 0.15%N.
The austenitic precipitation hardening stainless steels are the most difficult
stainless steels remain austenitic after to weld because of hot cracking.
quenching from the solutioning Welding should preferably be done
temperature even after substantial with the parts in the solution treated
amounts of cold work. They are condition, under minimum restraint

TABLE V — Physical Properties of Groups of Stainless Steels

Austenitic Ferritic Martensitic Precipitation
Property Types Types Types Hardening Types
Elastic Modulus; 106 psi 28.3 29.0 29.0 29.0
GPa 195 200 200 200
Density; lb./in.3 0.29 0.28 0.28 0.28
g/cm3 8.0 7.8 7.8 7.8
Coeff. of Therm. Expansion: µin./in. °F 9.2 5.8 5.7 6.0
µm/m °C 16.6 10.4 10.3 10.8
Thermal. Conduct.; Btu/hrft. °F 9.1 14.5 14.0 12.9
w/mk 15.7 25.1 24.2 22.3
Specific Heat; Btu/lb. °F 0.12 0.11 0.11 0.11
J/k °K 500 460 460 460
Electrical Resistivity, µΩcm 74 61 61 80
Magnetic Permeability 1.02 600-1,100 700-1000 95
Melting Range °F 2,500-2,650 2,600-2,790 2,600-2,790 2,560-2,625
°C 1,375-1,450 1,425-1,530 1,425-1,530 1,400-1,440

9
 TABLE VI — Properties of Austenitic Stainless Steels

Tensile Strength 0.2% Yield Strength Elong. R.A. Hardness

Type Condition Ksi MPa Ksi MPa % % Rockwell
201 Anneal 115 793 55 379 55 B90
201 Full Hard 185 1275 140 965 4 C41
202 Anneal 105 724 55 379 55 B90
301 Anneal 110 758 40 276 60 B85
301 Full Hard 185 1275 140 965 8 C41
302 Anneal 90 620 37 255 55 65 B82
302B Anneal 95 655 40 276 50 65 B85
303 Anneal 90 620 35 241 50 55 B84
304 Anneal 85 586 35 241 55 65 B80
304L Anneal 80 552 30 207 55 65 B76
304N Anneal 85 586 35 241 30
304LN Anneal 80 552 30 207
305 Anneal 85 586 37 255 55 70 B82
308 Anneal 85 586 35 241 55 65 B80
308L Anneal 80 551 30 207 55 65 B76
309 Anneal 90 620 40 276 45 65 B85
310 Anneal 95 655 40 276 45 65 B87
312 Anneal 95 655 20
314 Anneal 100 689 50 345 45 60 B87
316 Anneal 85 586 35 241 55 70 B80
316L Anneal 78 538 30 207 55 65 B76
316F Anneal 85 586 35 241 55 70 B80
317 Anneal 90 620 40 276 50 55 B85
317L Anneal 85 586 35 241 50 55 B80
321 Anneal 87 599 35 241 55 65 B80
347/348 Anneal 92 634 35 241 50 65 B84
329 Anneal 105 724 80 552 25 50 B98
330 Anneal 80 550 35 241 30 B80
330HC Anneal 85 586 42 290 45 65
332 Anneal 80 552 35 241 45 70
384 Anneal 80 550

(From ASM Metals Handbook, 8th Edition, Volume 1; and 9th Edition, Volume 3 and ASTM standards)

4.0 ASM Metals Handbook, Ninth

Edition, Volume 3.
about the same for both groups.
Nominal mechanical properties of
PHYSICAL martensitic stainless steels in both
the annealed and tempered condition
PROPERTIES 5.0 are listed in Table VIII. The
tempered condition involves heating
Average physical properties for each MECHANICAL to austenitize, cooling to form
of the main groups of stainless steel PROPERTIES martensite and reheating to the
indicated temperature to increase
are listed in Table V. This includes
elastic modulus, density, coefficient toughness. Table IX lists the
of thermal expansion, thermal con- Nominal mechanical properties of mechanical properties of the precipi-
ductivity, specific heat, electrical austenitic and ferritic stainless steels tation hardening stainless steels as
resistivity, magnetic permeability and in the annealed condition are listed in solution annealed and after aging
melting range. These values should Table VI and Table VII respectively. treatments at the temperature
be close enough for most engineer- The austenitic stainless steels indicated. Properties of three duplex
ing purposes. If more precise data is generally have higher tensile stainless steels are included.
required for a particular type of strengths and elongation than the
stainless steel, it can be found in the ferritic stainless steels but lower yield
strengths. Reduction in area is

10
 TABLE VII — Nominal Mechanical Properties of Ferritic Stainless Steels

Tensile Strength 0.2% Yield Strength Elong. R.A. Hardness

Type Condition Ksi MPa Ksi MPa % % Rockwell
405 Anneal 70 480 40 275 30 60 B80
409 Anneal 65 450 35 240 25 B75M
429 Anneal 71 490 45 310 30 65 B88M
430 Anneal 75 515 45 310 30 60 B82
430F Anneal 80 550 55 380 25 60 B86
430Ti Anneal 75 515 45 310 30 65
434 Anneal 77 530 53 365 23 B83M
436 Anneal 77 530 53 365 23 B83M
442 Anneal 80 550 45 310 25 50 B85
444 Anneal 60 415 40 275 20 B95M
446 Anneal 80 550 50 345 23 50 B86
26-1EBrite Anneal 65 450 40 275 22 B90M
26-1Ti Anneal 68 470 45 310 20 B95M
29-4 Anneal 80 550 60 415 20 B98M
29-4-2 Anneal 80 550 60 415 20 B98M
18SR Anneal 90 620 65 450 25 B90
Monit Anneal 94 650 80 550 20 B100M
Sea-cure/SC-1 Anneal 80 550 55 380 20 B100M

M = Maximum (From ASM Metals Handbook, 8th Edition, Volume 1; and 9th Edition, Volume 3)

TABLE VIII — Nominal Mechanical Properties of Martensitic Stainless Steels

Tensile Strength 0.2% Yield Strength Elong. R.A. Hardness
Type Condition Ksi MPa Ksi MPa % % Rockwell
403 Anneal 75 517 40 276 30 65 B82
403 *Temp. 800°F 195 1344 150 1034 17 55 C41
410 Anneal 75 517 40 276 30 65 B82
410 *Temp. 800°F 195 1344 150 1034 17 55 C41
410S Anneal 60 414 30 207 22 B95M
410Cb Anneal 70 483 40 276 13 45
410Cb *Temp. (Int.) 125 862 100 689 13 45
414 Anneal 120 827 95 655 17 55 C22
414 *Temp. 800°F 200 1379 150 1034 16 58 C43
414L Anneal 115 793 80 552 20 60
416 Plus X Anneal 75 517 40 276 30 60
420 Anneal 95 655 50 345 25 55 B92
420 *Temp. 600°F 230 1586 195 1344 8 25 C50
422 Temp., Int. 140 965 110 758 13 30
431 Anneal 125 862 95 655 20 60 C24
431 *Temp. 800°F 205 1413 155 1069 15 60 C43
440A Anneal 105 724 60 414 20 45 B95
440A *Temp. 600°F 260 1793 240 1655 5 20 C51
440B Anneal 107 738 62 427 18 35 B96
440B *Temp. 600°F 280 1931 270 1862 3 15 C55
440C Anneal 110 758 65 448 13 25 B97
440C *Temp. 600°F 285 1965 275 1896 2 10 C57

*Tempered after austentizing and cooling to room temperature.

M = Maximum (600°F = 315°C)
Int. = Intermediate temper hot finished (800°F = 427°C)
(From ASM Metals Handbook, 8th Edition, Volume 1; and 9th Edition, Volume 3)

11
 TABLE IX — Nominal Mechanical Properties of Precipitation Hardening and Duplex Stainless Steels
Tensile Strength 0.2% Yield Strength Elong. R.A. Hardness
Type Condition Ksi MPa Ksi MPa % % Rockwell
Precipitation Hardening Types
Ph13-8 Mo H950 220 1517 205 1413 8 45 C45
15-5PH H900 190 1310 170 1172 10 35 C44
15-5PH H1150 135 931 105 724 16 50 C32
17-4PH Sol. Ann. 150 1034 110 758 10 45 C33
17-4PH H900 200 1379 178 1227 12 48 C44
17-7PH Sol. Ann. 130 896 40 276 35 B85
17-7PH RH950 235 1620 220 1517 6 C48
PH15-7 Mo Sol. Ann. 130 896 55 379 35 B88
PH15-7 Mo RH950 240 1655 225 1551 6 25 C48
17-10P Sol. Ann. 89 613 37 255 70 76 B82
17-10P H1300 143 986 98 676 20 32 C32
A286 H1350 130 896 85 586 15
AM350 Sol. Ann. 160 1103 55 379 40 B95
AM350 DA 195 1344 155 1069 10.5 C41
AM355 Sol. Ann. 175 1207 65 448 30 B95
AM355 DA 195 1344 155 1069 10 C41
Custom 450 Anneal 125 862 95 655 10 40 C30
Custom 450 H900 180 1241 170 1172 10 40 C40
Custom 455 H900 235 1620 220 1517 8 30 C47
Stainless W Sol. Ann. 120 827 75 517 7 C30
Stainless W H950 195 1344 180 1241 7 25 C46
Duplex Types
2205 120 827 65 448 25
2304 110 758 60 414 25
255 110 758 80 552 15
2507 116 800 80 550 15
From ASM Metals Handbook, 8th Edition, Volume 1; and 9th Edition, Volume 3

6.0 is made by the designer of the

equipment or component based on
of many metals and alloys in many
kinds of corrosive media. This
SELECTION OF A his knowledge, experience and data information on stainless steels is
on corrosion behavior of various available from several sources which
STAINLESS STEEL alloys in the environment of interest. are listed as references.
The responsibility of the welding
Other factors which must be
The selection of a particular type engineer normally does not include
considered in selecting a stainless
stainless steel will depend on what is selection of the base alloy, only
steel are resistance to pitting, crevice
required by the application. In most selection of the filler material, welding
corrosion and intergranular attack.
cases the primary consideration is process and welding procedure.
Intergranular attack is caused by
corrosion resistance, tarnish If it becomes necessary for the carbide precipitation in weld heat
resistance or oxidation resistance at welding engineer to select a base affected zones and methods of
elevated temperature. In addition to alloy, information should be gathered preventing this problem were
these requirements, the selected on the service environment, expected discussed previously. If the
stainless steel must have some life of the part and extent of corrosion application involves service at
minimum mechanical properties such which is acceptable. To assist in this elevated temperature, then elevated
as strength, toughness, ductility and selection, Table X lists corrosion temperature mechanical properties
fatigue strength. Several types and resistance of several standard types such as creep strength, stress
grades of stainless steel may provide of stainless steel to a number of rupture strength and oxidation
the corrosion resistance and corrosive media. This indicates that resistance must be considered.
mechanical properties required. In austenitic types and higher chromium
this case the final selection should With the corrosion and oxidation test
types generally are more corrosion
be made on the basis of the lowest data derived from the handbooks
resistant than the martensitic and
cost available alloy which will fulfill and other references, a stainless
lower chromium ferritic types. A
the service requirements. Generally, steel or other alloy may be selected
great deal of test data has been
selection of the type of stainless steel for a particular application. Once the
generated on the corrosion behavior
12
 TABLE X — Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steel in Various Environments
Type Atmospheric
Stainless Fresh Salt
Austenitic Industrial Marine City Rural Water Water Soil Chemical
201 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
202 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
205 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
301 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
302 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
302B 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
303 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
303Se 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
304 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
304H 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
304L 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
304N 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
305 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
308 5 2 1 1 1 3 7
309 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
309S 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
310 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
310S 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
314 5 2 1 1 1 7
316 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 7
316F 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 7
316H 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 7
316L 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 7
316N 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 7
317 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 7
317L 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 7
321 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
321H 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
329 3 2 1 1 1 1 3 7
330 3 1 1 1 1 3 7
347 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
347H 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
348 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
348H 5 2 1 1 1 3 3 7
384 2 1 1 1 3 7
Ferritic Types
405 6 4 2 1 3 6 6 7
409 6 4 2 1 3 6 6 7
429 3 4 2 1 1 6 6 7
430 3 4 1 1 1 6 6 7
430F 3 4 1 1 1 6 6 7
430FSe 3 4 1 1 1 6 6 7
434 3 4 1 1 1 7
436 3 4 1 1 1 7
442 3 2 1 1 1 7
446 3 2 1 1 1 3 7
Martensitic Types
403 6 4 2 1 3 6 6 7
410 6 4 2 1 3 6 6 7
414 6 4 2 1 3 6 6 7
416 6 4 2 1 3 6 6 7
416Se 6 4 2 1 3 6 6 7
420 6 4 2 1 3 6 6 7

Code: 1 – No rust, staining or pitting, 6 – Rust and severe pitting,

2 – Light rust or stains, no pitting, 7 – Corrosion and pitting in chemical media varies widely with
3 – Light rust or stains, light pitting, media, concentration, temperature and agitation. Consult
4 – Rust covered or stained, literature and handbooks for data on specific application.
5 – Rust covered and pitted,

13
 A = 37-1/2°± 2-1/2° D = 2 times amount of offset
B = 10° ± 1° E = 30° max
C = 1/16 in. ± 1/32 in. (1.6 mm ± 0.8 mm) R = 1/4 in. (6.4 mm)

From AWS D10.4

FIGURE 3 — Typical joint designs for welding austenitic stainless steel pipe.

stainless steel is selected, it is the Accurate joint fitup and careful joint heat affected zone, it can melt and
welding engineer’s responsibility to preparation which are necessary for penetrate the grain boundaries of
design the joints, select the weld filler high quality welds also help minimize austenitic stainless steel causing
metal, welding process and welding distortion. cracking.
procedure.
Joint location and weld sequence
should be considered to minimize
7.0 distortion. 8.0
DESIGN FOR Strong tooling and fixturing should be SELECTION OF
employed to hold parts in place and
STAINLESS STEELS resist tendencies for components to FILLER METALS
move during welding. When any of
the gas shielded processes are used, Filler metals for welding stainless
Since the coefficient of thermal the tooling should also provide an steels are produced as coated
expansion for austenitic stainless inert gas backup to the root of the electrodes (AWS A5.4), solid and
steels is relatively high, the control of weld to prevent oxidation when the metal core wire (AWS A5.9) and flux
distortion must be considered in root pass is being made. This is core wire (AWS A5.22). The various
designing weldments of these alloys. particularly important when GTA electrodes, solid wires, metal cored
The volume of weld metal in joints welding pipe with insert rings to allow wires and flux cored wires are
must be limited to the smallest size the weld metal to wet and flow contained in AWS “Filler Metal
which will provide the necessary together at the root of the joint. Comparison Charts”, latest edition.
properties. In thick plate, a “U”
groove, Figure 3(c), which gives a In welding pipe, insert rings, Figure 4, According to these charts, matching
smaller volume than a “V” groove, of the same composition as the filler filler metal should be available for
should be used. If it is possible to metal should be used for the root almost every type of austenitic
weld from both sides of a joint, a pass and be welded by the GTAW stainless steel available, although
double “U” or “V” groove joint process. If copper chills are to be many types may be produced in
preparation should be used. This not used near a weld area, they should small quantities by only a few
only reduces the volume of weld be nickel plated to prevent copper companies and may not be readily
metal required but also helps to pickup. If copper is in contact with available. For example, E219-16 and
balance the shrinkage stresses. the high temperature region of the E240-16 electrodes are produced by

14
 From AWS D10.4
FIGURE 4 — Standard consumable inserts.

only two U.S. companies and no 202, 205, 216, 301, 302, 304 and and available in the form of coated
foreign companies. By contrast, the 305. The filler materials recom- electrodes and solid wire for some
more popular electrodes, E308-16, mended for these base alloys are of the precipitation hardening
E308L-16, E309-16, E310-16, E316- somewhat higher in Cr and Ni stainless steels and these are listed
16, E316L-16 and E347-16 are content. For example, 308 is used in Table XIV. Where no matching
produced by about 40 U.S. for 301, 302, 304 and 305 and may filler is available, standard austenitic
companies and 20 to 30 foreign be used for 201, 202, 205 and 216 if or nickel base filler materials are
companies. Most electrodes are 209, 219 or 240 are not available. recommended as indicated in
available with a lime coating (-15) (for The 6% molybdenum stainless steels Table XIV.
use with DC only), a titania coating (- 254SMo and AL6-XN are generally
If maximum strength properties and
16) (for use with AC or DC) or a welded with higher molybdnum
corrosion resistance are required for
silica-titania coating (-17) (for use with nickel-base alloys. The
the application, a filler metal of
AC or DC mainly in the downhand or recommended filler materials in the
matching or similar composition to
horizontal positions) and in the form of coated electrodes, solid and
the base metal should be used. For
standard or low carbon variety. metal core wire and flux core wire are
martensitic or semiaustenitic base
listed in Tables XI, XII and XIII for
Most alloys which are available as alloys, the weldment should then be
austenitic, ferritic and martensitic
coated electrodes are also available given the full solution and aging heat
stainless steels respectively. Note
as either solid wire, metal cored wire treatment if feasible. If not, the
that a modification of a basic type
or flux cored wire. A few are components should be solution
should be welded with a filler
available only as coated electrodes. treated before welding, then given a
material of that same modification,
These are 310H, 310Cb, 310Mo and postweld aging treatment after
for example, Type 316L should be
330H. As was mentioned previously, welding. It is recommended that the
welded with E316L-XX, ER316L,
filler metal for austenitic stainless austenitic precipitation hardening
ER316LS, or E316LT-X.
steels should match or exceed the stainless steels not be heat treated
alloy content of the base metal. If a Except for E630 electrodes and after welding because of cracking
filler material of the correct match is ER630 bare wires which match 17- problems. In fact, these alloys are
not available, a filler with higher alloy 4PH, matching filler materials for the difficult to weld for this reason and
content normally should be used. precipitation hardening stainlesses some are considered unweldable.
are not listed in the AWS Filler Metals Nickel base and conventional
There are several austenitic stainless
Comparison Charts, or in any of the austenitic filler metals can be used
types for which no exact matching
AWS filler metal specifications. for these alloys, especially if high
fillers are made. Examples are 201,
Matching filler metals are produced strength weld metal is not required

15
 TABLE XI — Filler Metals for Welding Austenitic Stainless Steels
Base Stainless Steel Recommended Filler Metal
Coated Solid, Metal Flux Core
Wrought Cast Electrode Core Wire Wire
201 E209, E219, E308 ER209, ER219, ER308, ER308Si E308TX-X
202 E209, E219, E308 ER209, ER219, ER308, ER308Si E308TX-X
205 E240 ER240
216 E209 ER209 E316TX-X
301 E308 ER308, ER308Si E308TX-X
302 CF-20 E308 ER308, ER308Si E308TX-X
304 CF-8 E308, E309 ER308, ER308Si, ER309, ER309Si E308TX-X, E309TX-X
304H E308H ER308H
304L CF-3 E308L, E347 ER308L, ER308LSi, ER347 E308LTX-X, E347TX-X
304LN E308L, E347 ER308L, ER308LSi, ER347 E308LTX-X, E347TX-X
304N E308, E309 ER308, ER308Si, ER309, ER309Si E308TX-X, E309TX-X
304HN E308H ER308H
305 E308, E309 ER308, ER308Si, ER309, ER309Si E308TX-X, E309TX-X
308 E308, E309 ER308, ER308Si, ER309, ER309Si E308TX-X, E309TX-X
308L E308L, E347 ER308L, ER308LSi, ER347 E308LTX-X, E347TX-X
309 CH-20 E309, E310 ER309, ER309Si, ER310 E309TX-X, ER310TX-X
309S CH-10 E309L, E309Cb ER309L, ER309LSi E309LTX-X, E309CbLTX-X
309SCb E309Cb E309CbLTX-X
309CbTa E309Cb E309CbLTX-X
310 CK-20 E310 ER310 E310TX-X
310S E310Cb, E310 ER310 E310TX-X
312 CE-30 E312 ER312 E312T-3
314 E310 ER310 E310TX-X
316 CF-8M E316, E308Mo ER316, ER308Mo E316TX-X, E308MoTX-X
316H CF-12M E316H, E16-8-2 ER316H, ER16-8-2 E316TX-X, E308MoTX-X
316L CF-3M E316L, E308MoL ER316L, ER316LSi, ER308MoL E316LTX-X, E308MoLTX-X
316LN E316L ER316L, ER316LSi E316LTX-X
316N E316 ER316 E316TX-X
317 CG-8M E317, E317L ER317 E317LTX-X
317L E317L, E316L ER317L E317LTX-X
321 E308L, E347 ER321 E308LTX-X, E347TX-X
321H E347 ER321 E347TX-X
329 E312 ER312 E312T-3
330 HT E330 ER330
330HC E330H ER330
332 E330 ER330
347 CF-8C E347, E308L ER347, ER347Si E347TX-X, E308LTX-X
347H E347 ER347, ER347Si E347TX-X
348 E347 ER347, ER347Si E347TX-X
348H E347 ER347, ER347Si E347TX-X
Nitronic 33 E240 ER240
Nitronic 40 E219 ER219
Nitronic 50 E209 ER209
Nitronic 60 ER218
254SMo ENiCrMo-3 ERNiCrMo-3
AL-6XN ENiCrMo-10 ERNiCrMo-10

From AWS Filler Metal Specifications: A5.4, A5.9, A5.22, A5.14, A5.11

16
because the lower strength filler can titanium or aluminum which would Welding conditions suitable for
stretch on cooling and minimize the be lost in the shielded metal arc. conventional stainless steels are
stress on the crack sensitive heat Welds can be made in all positions generally applicable for joining the
affected zone of the base metal. with this process. Electrodes must PH types. A short arc length should
Nickel base and conventional be dry and stored and handled in be used to minimize oxidation, loss of
austenitic stainless steels can also be the same manner as used for other chromium, and nitrogen pickup.
used to weld the other precipitation stainless steel and low hydrogen
hardening stainless steels where full Lining
electrodes as described previously.
base material strength is not Mild steel process and storage
required. Type AMS 5827B (17-4PH)
equipment is sometimes lined with
electrodes can be used to weld 17-7
Coated electrodes can be used for stainless steel for corrosion
PH steel, and reasonable heat treat-
welding martensitic and resistance. At least three different
ment response can be obtained if
semiaustenitic stainless steels such methods are used:
the weld deposit is highly diluted
as 17-4PH, AM350 and AM355 with base metal.
because these alloys do not contain

TABLE XII — Filler Metals for Welding Ferritic Stainless Steels

Base Stainless Steel Recommended Filler Metal
Coated Solid, Metal Flux Core
Wrought Cast Electrode Core Wire Wire
405 E410NiMo, E430 ER410NiMo, ER430 E410NiMoTX-X
409 ER409, AM363, EC409 E409TX-X
429 ER409Cb
430 CB-30 E430 ER430 E430TX-X
430F E430 ER430 E430TX-X
430FSe E430 ER430 E430TX-X
434 ER434
442 E442, E446 ER442
444 E316L ER316L
446 CC-50 E446 ER446
26-1 ER26-1

From AWS Filler Metal Specifications: A5.4, A5.9, A5.22

TABLE XIII — Filler Metals for Welding Martensitic and Duplex Stainless Steels
Base Stainless Steel Recommended Filler Metal
Coated Solid, Metal Flux Core
Wrought Cast Electrode Core Wire Wire
403 E410 ER410 E410TX-X
410 CA-15 E410, E410NiMo ER410, ER410NiMo E410T, E410NiMoTX-X
410S E410NiMo ER410NiMo E410NiMoTX-X
414 E410 ER410 E410TX-X
416 E410 ER312, ER410
416Se ER312
416PlusX ER312
420 CA-90 E410, E430 ER420, ER410 E410TX-X
420F ER312
431 CB-30 E410, E430 ER410 E410TX-X
440A a
440B a
440C a
CA-6NM E410NiMo ER410NiMo E410NiMoTX-X
CA-15 E430 ER430 E430TX-X
2205 E2209 ER2209
2304 E2209 ER2209
255 E2553 ER2553
a = Welding not recommended. From AWS Filler Metal Specifications: A5.4, A5.9, A5.22

17
 TABLE XIV — Filler Metals for Welding Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steels
Bare Dissimilar
Covered Welding PH Stainless
Designation UNS No. Electrodes Wire Steels
Martensitic Types
17-4PH S17400 AMS 5827B, E630 AMS 5826 E or ER309,
and (17-4 PH) or (17-4 PH) or E or ER309 Cb
15-5 PH S15500 E308 ER308
Stainless W S17600 E308 or AMS 5805C E or ERNiMo-3,
ENiMo-3a (A-286) or E or ER309
ERNiMo-3b
Semiaustenitic Types
17-7PH S17700 AMS 5827B AMS 5824A E or ER310,
(17-4 PH), (17-7 PH) ENiCrFe-2, or
E308, or E309 ERNiCr-3
PH 15-7Mo S15700 E308 or E309 AMS 5812C (PH 15-7Mo) E or ER309, E or ER310
AM350 S35000 AMS 5775A (AM350) AMS 5774B (AM350) E or ER308, E or ER309
AM355 S35500 AMS 5781A (AM355) AMS 5780A (AM355) E or ER308, E or ER309
Austenitic Types
A-286 K66286 E309 or E310 ERNiCrFe-6 or E or ER309,
ERNiMo-3 E or ER310

a. See AWS A5.11-97, Specification for Nickel and Nickel Alloy Welding Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
b. See AWS A5.14-97, Specification for NIckel and Nickel Alloy Bare Welding Electrodes and Rod.

Stainless Welding Clad Steel Thick Harfacing Deposits

Plug Weld Steel
Back Stainless E308-X or E309-XX deposits
Gouge Steel
Mild Steel increase the toughness of thick
hardfacing deposits. For best results,
1. Large formed stainless steel Mild Steel use one layer of stainless between
sheets are plug welded at frequent each two layers of hardfacing.
intervals to join them closely to the
shell. Clad steel consists of stainless steel
sheet permanently bonded to mild
steel plate. To join clad steel plates, 9.0
Stringer Beads first weld the mild steel with mild SELECTION OF
steel electrodes. Do not tie into the
2. Overlapping welds deposited on
stainless cladding with the mild steel A WELDING PROCESS
the steel surface.
electrodes. After gouging the back-
side of the first mild steel bead, weld Joint Cleanliness
from the stainless side using
stainless steel electrodes. For high-quality welds, stainless steel
joints must be clean. The choice of
Joining Manganese Steel power brushing, degreasing, pickling,
E308-X or E309-XX electrodes are grinding or simply wiping depends
used to weld manganese steel to upon the application and amount of
carbon steel or to manganese steel. dirt. Here are some specific hints:
The stainless welds provide excellent 1. Remove all moisture by blowing
First Pass joint strength and ductility but are with dry air or heating with a torch.
difficult to flame cut. Therefore, when Beware of moisture in air lines, damp
a manganese steel piece must be rags and humidity deposited
Second Pass replaced periodically, such as dipper overnight.
teeth, Wearshield Mangjet® electrode
3. Small strips are overlapped or can be recommended. Wearshield 2. Eliminate organic contaminants like
placed side-by-side and welded to 15CrMn electrode has better crack oil, paints, anti-spatter compounds,
the shell. Sometimes this technique is resistance, but the deposit is difficult grease, pencil marks, cutting
referred to as “wallpapering” to flame cut. compounds, adhesive from
protective paper, soap used for leak
testing, etc.
18
 TABLE XV — Standard Sizes for Stainless Electrodes
Form Diameter, in. Diameter, mm,
Electrode in coils, with or 0.045, 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 2.8
without support 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 6.4
Electrode wound on standard 0.030, 0.035, 0.045, 1/16 0.8, 0.9, 1.2, 1.6
12-in. O.D. spools 5/64, 3/32, 7/64 2.0, 2.4, 2.8
Electrodes wound on lightweight 0.020, 0.025, 0.030 0.5, 0.6, 0.8
1-1/2 and 2-1/2 lb., 4-in O.D. spools 0.035, 0.045 0.9, 1.2
Coated Electrodes
9 in. length (230 mm) 1/16, 5/64, 3/32 1.6, 2.0, 2.4
12 in. length (305 mm) 3/32 2.4
14 in. length (350 mm) 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 6.4

3. Stainless steels cannot be flame If it has been decided to perform the 2. Vertical up welding when a wide
cut with a torch. Acceptable results welding with stick electrodes, a weave can be used.
are achieved with an arc plasma further decision must be made
3. Overhead welding.
cutter. regarding the electrode coating.
When lime (-15), titania (-16), and Coated electrodes should be treated
4. Be particularly careful to avoid zinc
silica-titania (-17) type coatings are and stored as low hydrogen
contamination. Do not use brushes
available for a particular type electrodes. They should not be
or tools previously used on
electrode, the decision will be based exposed to damp air, and once a
galvanized steel.
mainly on the position of welding. sealed container is opened, the
5. Use only stainless steel wire Lime-coated electrodes operate on electrodes should be used or stored
brushes, and use these brushes only DC only. They are recommended in a holding oven at between 200
on stainless steel. for: and 300°F (93 and 149°C). If the
electrodes are exposed to moist air,
The decision on the form of filler 1. Vertical and overhead welding and
they can be dried by baking as
metal to be used will depend upon all position applications such as
recommended by the manufacturer.
several factors. These include the pipe. The light slag wets rapidly
This baking temperature usually is
available forms of the filler material for good wash-in and no
between 500 and 600°F (260 and
needed, the available welding undercutting.
316°C), but can be as high as 800°F
equipment, the dimensions of the 2. Root passes on heavy plate. The
(427°C). The electrode manufacturer
weldment and number of pieces to full throat section of the slightly
should be consulted for specific
be welded. convex beads help prevent
recommendations.
cracking.
The sizes and forms of coated
3. Fully austenitic stainless steels
9.1 electrodes and also solid and cored
such as types 330, 320.
wire, which are normally available for
SHIELDED METAL Titania-coated electrodes operate on welding stainless steels, are listed in
ARC WELDING AC or DC, but always use DC when Table XV.
available. They are recommended
Coated electrodes are available in for:
most stainless compositions in a 1. All applications when most of the
9.2
range of sizes and these can be welding is in the flat position. SUBMERGED
used to weld joints in thicknesses ARC WELDING
from 0.05 inch to several inches. 2. Vertical up and overhead welding
Slag from each pass must be when lime-coated electrodes are
completely removed before not available. Submerged arc welding (SAW) can
depositing the next pass to avoid be employed to join thick sections,
Silica-titania coated electrodes
porosity and slag entrapment. usually greater than 0.5 inch, of most
operate also on AC or DC, but DC is
Welding equipment for stick of the austenitic stainless steels. For
usually preferred. They are
electrode welding is the lowest cost austenitic stainlesses in which ferrite
recommended for:
but deposition rates are lowest of all is not possible in the weld metal
the consumable electrode 1. Flat and horizontal position (types 310 or 330, for example),
processes. welding when minimum cleanup submerged arc welding is usually
is desired. best avoided due to hot cracking

19
problems. Welding is generally done and ER316 can be used with reactions. The stainless flux
using direct current, electrode conventional stainless steel fluxes for manufacturers should be consulted
positive. Alternating current is some- welding most of the austenitic for recommendation on fluxes and
times used for moderate penetration stainless steels except applications welding procedures.
and good arc stability. where Ferrite Number must be less
than 4.
Since deposit composition depends
upon the filler wire composition, any If base metal strength must be 9.3
alloy additions to the flux and attained in martensitic or precipitation GAS METAL ARC WELDING
chromium oxidation and loss to the hardening stainless steels, special
slag, flux selection and welding procedures and fluxes must be used
If the production application involves
conditions must be rigorously with the correct filler metal to provide
long joints in relatively thick material
controlled. Voltage, current and a weld deposit which will respond to
or a large number of parts, the
travel speed variations will influence postweld heat treatment. If special
GMAW process with solid or metal
the amount of flux melted and the fluxes are not used, the weld metal
cored wire may be the best choice.
resulting weld deposit composition probably will not respond to heat
and ferrite content. treatment. This is particularly true for Solid or metal cored wire will provide
aluminum-bearing electrodes where the fastest deposition rates with the
Conventional austenitic stainless steel
aluminum is lost through metal-slag
electrodes such as ER308, ER309

WELDING TECHNIQUES FOR SHIELDED METAL ARC WELDING

Use a short arc without touching the puddle. This minimizes alloy loss in the arc and reduces porosity
and spatter. Red Baron and Blue Max electrodes can be dragged.

Weld with a low current consistent with good fusion to minimize heat input for distortion control. The
low current also reduces penetration when minimum admixture is needed for corrosion resistance and
cracking or porosity resistance.

Stringer beads minimize heat input to control distortion. If weave beads must be used, limit the weave
to 21/2 times the electrode diameter.

Flat beads with good wash-in are needed for easy slag removal, particularly in deep groove welds.

Fill craters by holding a short arc and moving back over the finished bead before breaking the arc. This
avoids crater cracks.

Clean each bead thoroughly before welding over it. Because the slag from lime coated Stainweld
XXX-15 electrodes crumbles, particular care is needed to remove all particles.

For vertical and overhead positions, weld with 5/32” (4.0mm) or smaller electrodes. The easiest to use
vertical-up are Stainweld XXX-15 electrodes. Blue Max electrodes require the widest weave for
vertical-up. Vertical-down welding is best accomplished with Red Baron -V electrodes.

For vertical-down welding with Red Baron-V electrodes, use a dragging technique and current towards
the high end of the recommended range. For vertical-up, Stainweld XXX-15 can be run without weave.
All others require a weave – a triangle weave or inverted Vee weave works well.

In the overhead position, Red Baron and Blue Max electrodes work best by a dragging technique.
Stainweld electrodes work best with a short arc and slight circular motion during steady forward motion.

Penetration should be only enough to seal openings in root passes and bond to the base plates. Deep
penetration can cause cracking and loss of corrosion resistance and provides no advantages.

20
 TABLE XVI — Recommended Current Ranges For Austenitic Stainless Steel Electrodes (DCEP)
Electrode Size Recommended Current (Amp)
mm. inch. E3XX-15 Electrodes E3XX-16 Electrodes E3XX-17 Electrodes
2.4 3/32 30 - 70 30 - 65 40 - 80
3.2 1/8 45 - 95 55 - 95 80 - 115
4.0 5/32 75 - 130 80 - 135 100 - 150
4.8 3/16 95 - 165 120 - 185 130 - 200
6.4 1/4 150 - 225 200 - 275 Consult Manufacturer
Optimum current for flat position is Optimum current for flat position is Optimum current for flat position is
about 10% below maximum; about 10% below maximum; AC about 10% below maximum.
optimum for vertical-up welding, range is about 10% higher.
about 20% below maximum;
optimum for vertical-down welding,
about maximum.

GMAW process but wire feeding using argon or an argon-helium 9.5

equipment, power supplies and the mixture with a small addition of
requirement for inert gas shielding oxygen or carbon dioxide.
GAS TUNGSTEN ARC
add to the cost of using these fillers. WELDING
However, there is little need to
remove slag between passes. Solid 9.4 Manual and automatic gas tungsten
and metal cored wire can be used in arc welding (GTAW) processes are
shortcircuiting, globular and spray
FLUX-CORED ARC WELDING
frequently used for joining conven-
modes of arc operation which gives tional and PH stainless steels,
a wide range of deposition rates and Flux cored wire uses basically the particularly in thicknesses up to
heat input levels. Solid and metal same wire feed equipment and about 0.25 inch.
cored wire can therefore be used for power supply as solid and metal
welding a wide range of thicknesses. core wire. Wires can be designed Normally direct current, electrode
for use with gas shielding (AWS negative is used with a power supply
Gas metal arc welding with spray having drooping volt-amperage
Classes EXXXTX-1 or EXXXTX-4) or
transfer is used to join sections characteristic. However, alternating
without gas shielding (AWS Classes
thicker than about 0.25 inch current is sometimes used to weld
EXXXTO-3). The “-1” indicates CO2
because deposition rates are higher those steels containing aluminum to
shielding gas, while the “-4”
than with other transfer modes. take advantage of the arc cleaning
indicates 75% Argon - 25% CO2
Welding procedures are simular for action.
shielding gas. Although carbon
conventional austenitic and PH
dioxide gas shielding is not
stainless steels.
recommended for gas metal arc
The shielding gas is generally argon
with 1 to 2 percent oxygen added for
welding, it is commonly used with
flux cored arc welding because the
10.0
arc stability. Mixtures of argon and slag protects the metal from carbon PROCEDURES FOR
helium are employed if a hotter arc is pickup. Use of EXXXTO-3 with gas
desired. A small oxygen addition will result in high ferrite. Use of
WELDING STAINLESS
can be added to provide a stable EXXXTX-1 or EXXXTX-4 without gas STEELS
arc, but some aluminum or titanium will result in little or no ferrite and
can be lost from certain PH filler possibly porosity. Solid wire, metal
Once a joint design has been
metals during transfer across the arc core and flux core wire have an
established and a welding process
as a result of oxidation. Response of advantage over coated electrodes by
and filler material have been
the weld metal to heat treatment their continuous nature in that it is
selected, a welding procedure may
might be less because of this action. not necessary to stop welding to
be developed. For any process, it is
change electrodes.
For flat position welding, spray important that joint edges and filler
transfer is usually preferred. For material be clean and free of any
other welding positions, oxide, organic material or other con-
shortcircuiting transfer is often used tamination. Thermal cut edges must
with helium-rich gas such as 90% be cleaned to remove oxide film.
He 7.5% A -2.5% CO2 or pulsed Rough machined surfaces on joint
spray transfer can be employed edge preparation should be avoided to

21
prevent entrapment of contaminants. AC-DC electrodes (EXXX-16 and Welding Techniques: Welding with
EXXX-17) are always used on DC stainless steel electrodes requires
Heat input for arc welding stainless
when this type of power is available. techniques similar to those used for
steels should be minimized to
The fillet profile is flat (EXXX-16) to mild steel low hydrogen electrodes.
minimize distortion and to minimize
slightly concave (EXXX-17), the weld Use a short arc, but keep the coating
the possibility of sensitization of the
surface is smoother and the penetra- from touching the puddle. Certain
heat affected zone. This is partic-
tion is less than with EXXX-15 (DC electrodes are designed to be
ularly important for standard,
only) electrodes. The larger amount dragged on the base metal in down-
nonstabilized austenitic stainless
of slag requires more care to avoid hand and horizontal welding. Flat
steels.
slag inclusions. These electrodes are beads with good wash-in promote
recommended for horizontal fillets easy slag removal in deep grooves.
and for all flat position welding. Fill each crater before breaking the
10.1 EXXX-16 electrodes are also used in arc to avoid crater cracks. Clean the
WELDING WITH THE all positions by skilled welders. slag thoroughly from the finish of the
SHIELDED METAL ARC EXXX-17 electrodes can also be used bead before starting another elec-
in all positions, but a wider weave is trode, and clean the complete weld
PROCESS generally necessary in the vertical-up before started the next pass. On
position than is necessary for EXXX- deep groove butt joints, the root pass
All stainless steel shielded metal arc 16 electrodes. should penetrate only enough to fuse
electrode coverings must be pro- to both plates and seal the opening.
tected from moisture pickup. Cleaning: For high quality welds, More penetration may cause cracks.
Normally, electrodes packaged in joints must be clean and dry. The
hermetically sealed containers can choice of power brushing, For vertical and overhead positions
be stored for several years without degreasing, pickling, grinding or never use an electrode larger than
deteriorating. However, after the merely wiping depends upon the 5/32". The DC electrodes (EXXX-15)
container is opened, the coating kind and amount of dirt. Some are preferred, but the AC-DC
begins to absorb moisture and, specific recommendations are: electrodes (EXXX-16) can be used for
depending on the ambient air condi- welding vertical up (using DC). On
1. Remove moisture by heating or by thick plate, use the triangular weave
tion, may need to be reconditioned
blowing with dry air (beware of or inverted Vee technique, welding
after only four hours of exposure,
moisture in the air line). Moisture vertical up. On thin plate, use small
otherwise porosity may result,
can collect on a weldment over- beads, vertical down.
especially at arc starts.
night in high humidity conditions.
The EXXX-17 AC-DC electrodes are
Usually, redrying at 500 to 600°F
2. Eliminate organic contaminants more difficult to use vertical up than
(260 to 316°C) for 1 hour restores
such as paints, antispatter com- the EXXX-16 electrodes. A wider
the electrode to its original condition,
pounds, grease pencil marks, weave is generally necessary.
and storing in a holding oven at
cutting compounds, adhesive
300°F (149°C) is satisfactory. Due to Welding techniques can help control
from protective paper and soap
differences in materials and distortion. Weld with low current con-
used for leak testing.
processing, the supplier should be sistent with sufficient penetration to
consulted if large amounts of 3. Flame beveling and machining reduce the heat input to the work
electrodes are involved. may leave contaminants or oxide (Table XVI). Use stringer beads at a
films that must be removed. higher speed rather than wide beads
DC electrodes (EXXX-15) operate on
4. Avoid zinc contamination from at a slower speed. If weave beads
DC only, have good penetration,
brushes or tools that have been must be made, limit the weave to
produce fillets with a slightly convex
used on galvanized steel. Zinc 2-1/2 times the electrode diameter.
profile, and are recommended for:
contamination causes cracking. Other means to control distortion are:
• Vertical and overhead welding and
Use only stainless steel wire
all position applications such as • Use rigid fixtures to hold parts in
brushes that have been used only
pipe. The slag has a fast freeze alignment.
on stainless steel.
characteristic.
5. Avoid copper contamination from • Use chill bars near the weld and
• Root passes on heavy plate. The backing bars under the weld.
rubbing stainless over copper
larger throat section of the convex Rapid cooling of austenitic
hold-down fixtures, etc. Copper
bead helps prevent cracking. stainless steels is beneficial rather
contamination causes cracking.
than harmful. If copper is used as
• Austenitic stainless welds that
the chill bar material, care must be
cannot contain any ferrite.
exercised to prevent copper grain
boundary penetration where the

22
 heat affected zone temperature Power Sources: The open circuit backing is not used. The advantage
exceeds the melting temperature voltage of light duty AC transformer of this joint design is that it requires a
of copper. This can be prevented welders may not be high enough for minimum of edge preparation, yet
by applying a thin nickel plate to larger diameters of EXXX-16 produces welds of good quality
the copper. electrodes; otherwise, the same having adequate penetration.
power sources used with steel
• Plan the sequence of welding, Single V-groove welds with a root
electrodes are satisfactory for
using the same techniques as with face, Figure 11 (b), are used with
stainless electrodes.
mild steel such as skip welding nonfusible backing for single pass
and back step welding. Parameters and procedures for butt welds of 5/16 inch thickness or
welding stainless steel in thicknesses greater. For most industrial
Joining Stainless and Other from 18 gauge to 1/2 inch are given applications, the maximum thickness
Steels: In some applications, in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. These is of the order of 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inch.
stainless steel weld metal is applied show joint designs and backup bars Root face dimensions are 1/8 to 3/16
to mild steel: for example, lining mild for butt, tee, lap and 90 degree edge inch. This joint is also used for two
steel vessels or containers with joints. pass welds without backing where
stainless steel. For such plate thickness exceeds 5/8 inch.
applications, stainless electrodes The first pass is made in the V of the
with higher alloy content are used so 10.2 joint, Figure 11 (b). The work is
the admixture of the mild steel into then turned over and the first pass
the stainless weld deposit does not
WELDING WITH
becomes the backing pass. In this
form an unsatisfactory alloy. THE SUBMERGED ARC position, the finishing pass is made
When stainless steel is joined to mild PROCESS on the flat side of the joint penetrat-
steel, the mild steel is often ing into the root of the first pass. The
“buttered” with stainless steel. This The submerged arc process is root face is approximately 3/8 inch for
technique consists of depositing a applicable to the welding of stainless two pass welds.
layer of stainless on the surface of steels where the higher heat input The double V-groove butt, Figure 11
the mild steel, then completing the and slower solidification are tolerable. (d), is the basic joint design for
joint with stainless electrode, as With submerged arc welding, submerged arc welding. A large
illustrated in Figure 5. The electrode depending upon the flux chosen, the root face is generally used with this
commonly used for buttering is silicon content may be much higher design. Figure 12 shows a typical
E309. This technique is also used than with other processes, a factor double V-groove weld in 3/4 inch
for joining hard-to-weld or high car- that may promote hot shortness or 304 plate and describes the welding
bon steels that cannot be preheated. fissuring when ferrite is less than sequence.
E308 electrode is used for joining 4FN.
A single U-groove butt joint design,
austenitic manganese steel to carbon The submerged arc process is not Figure 11 (f), is also commonly
steel or to manganese steel. How- recommended where a weld deposit used. A small manually produced
ever, for the components that must is needed that is fully austenitic or is backing weld is often made from the
be replaced periodically, such as controlled to a low ferrite content reverse side of the joint. It is usually
dipper teeth, a manganese steel (below 4FN). However, high quality desirable to fill the U-groove with 2
electrode is recommended because welds may be produced for applica- passes per layer as soon as possible
the stainless weld is more difficult to tions in which more than 4FN in weld after the root pass. Slag removal
torch cut. deposits is allowable. Figure 11 from a submerged arc weld pass
shows the type of butt joint designs tieing in to both sides of the groove
that can be used for submerged arc can be very difficult.
welding.
For stainless steel welding, DC
Good quality single pass welds up to power is mostly used on thin
5/16 inch thick can be made using sections. Either AC or DC may be
the square groove butt joint, Figure used on heavier pieces but DC is
11 (a), without root opening and with preferred. Currents used are about
suitable backing. Two pass welds 80% of those used for carbon steel.
up to 5/8 inch thick are also made Single pass techniques usually result
FIGURE 5 — without root opening. It is essential in dilution levels of 40% to 60%.
Buttering technique for joining on two pass welds, however, that the This may be decreased by using
mild steel to stainless steel. edges be closely butted since weld multipass welds.

23
 Welding Position: Flat
Weld Quality Level: Code
Steel Weldability: Good

Plate Thickness in. 0.050 (18 ga) 0.078 (14 ga) 0.140 (10 ga) 3/16 1/4 3/8 1/2
Plate Thickness mm. 1.3 2.0 3.6 4.8 6.4 9.5 12.7
Pass 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2-3 1 2-5
Electrode Class E3XX-16 E3XX-16 E3XX-16 E3XX-16 E3XX-16 E3XX-16 E3XX-16
Electrode Size in. 5/64 3/32 1/8 5/32 5/32 3/16 5/32 3/16 5/32 3/16
Electrode Size mm. 2.0 2.4 3.2 4.0 4.0 4.8 4.0 4.8 4.0 4.8
Current (amp) DC (+) 40* 60 85 125 125 160 125 160 125 160
Arc Speed (in./min.) 14 -16 11.5 - 12.5 8.5 - 9.5 6.7 - 7.3 5.7-6.3 7.6-8.4 5.7-6.3 5.7-6.3 5.7-6.3 5.7-6.3
Arc Speed mm/sec 5.9 - 6.8 4.9 - 5.3 3.6 -4.0 2.8 - 3.1 2.4-2.7 3.2-3.6 2.4-2.7 2.4-2.7 2.4-2.7 2.4-2.7
Electrode Req’d (lb./ft.) 0.020 0.038 0.080 0.150 0.340 0.650 1.06
Electrode Req’d kg/m 0.030 0.057 0.119 0.223 0.506 0.968 1.579
Total Time (hr./ft. of weld) 0.0133 0.0167 0.0222 0.0286 0.0583 0.100 0.167
Total Time hrs./m of weld 0.0436 0.0548 0.0728 0.0938 0.1913 0.3281 0.5479
Gap (in.) 0 1/32 1/32 1/16 3/32 3/32 3/32
Gap mm 0 0.8 0.8 1.6 2.4 2.4 2.4
Root Face (in.) 0 0 0 1/16 1/16 1/16 1/16
Root Face mm 0 0 0 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6
*Use DC (–)
Note: AC can be used with 10% increase in current. E3XX-15 electrode can be used with a 10% decrease in current.

FIGURE 6 — Suggested procedures for SMAW of butt joints in austenitic stainless steel from 18 (1.3 mm) gauge
to 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) thickness in the flat position.

Submerged arc welding creates a backing tapes are also sometimes materials fall into two categories –
large volume of molten metal that used. fused type and bonded type. The
remains fluid for appreciable time. It fused type is glasslike and is
With a fusible metallic backing, the
is essential that this molten metal be produced by melting the ingredients
weld penetrates into and fuses with
supported and contained until it has at high temperatures followed by
the stainless backing, which either
solidified. The two most common crushing to granulate the flux. The
temporarily or permanently becomes
means of weld backing are bonded or agglomerated type is
an integral part of the assembly.
nonfusible backing and fusible produced by mixing the ingredients
backing. Most submerged arc welding is done with a suitable binder and baking
in the flat position. This results in the the mixture. Lincoln manufactures
Copper backing is the most
best bead contour and ease of only bonded fluxes.
frequently used nonfusible backing in
operation. Occasionally, welding is
the welding of stainless steel. When Alloying elements can be added to
done on circumferential seams.
copper is used as a chill bar, care the weld deposit through some
Figure 14 illustrates the effect of
must be taken to prevent copper bonded fluxes. These include
various inclinations.
grain boundary penetration. Recom- chromium, nickel, molybdenum and
mended groove dimensions are Submerged arc fluxes are available niobium (columbium). If alloying
shown in Figure 13. Ceramic as proprietary materials for welding additions to the flux are not made,
stainless steel. Composition of
24
 Welding Position: Vertical
and Overhead
Weld Quality Level: Code
Steel Weldability: Good

Plate Thickness (in.) 0.078 (14 ga)* 0.140 (10 ga) 3/16 1/4
Plate Thickness mm. 2.0 3.6 4.8 6.4
Pass 1 1 1 1 2
Electrode Class E3XX-15 E3XX-15 E3XX-15 E3XX-15
Electrode Size in. 3/32 1/8 5/32 5/32
Electrode Size mm. 2.4 3.2 4.0 4.0
Current (amp) DC(+) 50 75 110 110
Arc Speed (in./min.) 14 - 16 6.7 - 7.3 5.2 - 5.8 5.2 - 5.8 4.3 - 4.7
Arc Speed mm/sec. 5.9 - 6.8 2.8 - 3.1 2.2 - 2.5 2.2 - 2.5 1.8 - 2.0
Electrode Req’d (lb./ft.) 0.030 0.091 0.160 0.370
Electrode Req’d kg/m. 0.045 0.136 0.238 0.551
Total Time (hr./ft. of weld) 0.0133 0.0286 0.0364 0.0808
Total Time hrs./m of weld 0.0436 0.0938 0.1194 0.2651
Gap (in.) 0 0 1/16 3/32
Gap mm. 0 0 1.6 2.4
Root face (in.) 0 0 1/16 1/16
Root face mm. 0 0 1.6 1.6
*Vertical down, all others vertical up.

FIGURE 7 — Suggested procedures for SMAW of butt joints in austenitic stainless steel 14 gauge (2.0mm) to
1/4 inch (6.4mm) thickness in the vertical and overhead positions.

Welding Position: Flat or

Horizontal*
Weld Quality Level: Code
Steel Weldability: Good

Weld Size (in.) 3/32 1/8 3/16 1/4 5/16

Weld Size mm. 2.4 3.2 4.8 6.4 7.9
Plate Thickness (in.) 0.078 (14 ga) 0.140 (10 ga) 3/16 1/4 3/8
Plate Thickness mm. 2.0 3.6 4.8 6.4 9.5
Pass 1 1 1 1 1 2
Electrode Class E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17
Electrode Size in. 3/32 1/8 5/32 3/16 3/16
Electrode Size mm. 2.4 3.2 4.0 4.8 4.8
Current (amp) DC(+) 60 85 120 160 170
Arc Speed (in./min.) 12.5 - 13.5 12.5 - 3.5 8.6 - 9.4 6.2 - 6.8 6.2 - 6.8 6.7 - 7.3
Arc Speed mm/sec. 5.3 - 5.7 5.3 - 5.7 3.6 - 4.0 2.6 - 2.9 2.6 - 2.9 2.8 - 3.1
Electrode Req’d (lb/ft) 0.036 0.056 0.120 0.220 0.430
Electrode Req’d kg/m. 0.054 0.083 0.178 0.328 0.640
Total Time (hr/ft of weld) 0.0154 0.0154 0.0222 0.0308 0.0594
Total Time hrs/m of weld 0.051 0.051 0.073 0.101 0.195
* For vertical and overhead use same procedures as for vertical and overhead butt welds.
Note: AC can be used with a 10% increase in current. E3XX-15 electrode can be used with a 10% decrease in current.

FIGURE 8 — Suggested procedures for SMAW of fillet joints in austenitic stainless steel from 14 gauge (2.0mm)
to 3/8 inch (9.5mm) thickness in the flat or horizontal positions.

25
Welding Position:
Horizontal
Weld Quality Level: Code
Steel Weldability: Good

Plate Thickness (in.) 0.078 (14 ga) 0.140 (10 ga) 3/16 1/4 3/8
Plate Thickness mm. 2.0 3.6 4.8 6.4 9.5
Pass 1 1 1 1 1 2
Electrode Class E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17
Electrode Size in. 3/32 1/8 5/32 3/16 3/16
Electrode Size mm. 2.4 3.2 4.0 4.8 4.8
Current (amp) DC(+) 60 90 125 170 175
Arc Speed (in./min.) 12.5 - 13.5 12.5 - 13.5 8.6 - 9.4 6.2 - 6.8 6.2 - 6.8 6.7 - 7.3
Arc Speed mm/sec. 5.3 - 5.7 5.3 - 5.7 3.6 - 4.0 2.6 - 2.9 2.6 - 2.9 2.8 - 3.1
Electrode Req’d (lb/ft) 0.036 0.056 0.130 0.240 0.460
Electrode Req’d kg/m. 0.054 0.083 0.194 0.357 0.685
Total Time (hr/ft of weld) 0.0154 0.0154 0.0222 0.0308 0.0594
Total Time hrs/m of weld 0.051 0.051 0.073 0.101 0.195
The notes to fillet weld procedure also apply here.

FIGURE 9 — Suggested procedures for SMAW of lap joints in austenitic stainless steel from
14 gauge (2.0mm) to 3/8 inch (9.5mm) thickness in the horizontal position.

Welding Position: Flat

Weld Quality Level: Code
Steel Weldability: Good

Plate Thickness (in.) 0.078 (14 ga) 0.140 (10 ga) 3/16 1/4 3/8
Plate Thickness mm. 2.0 3.6 4.8 6.4 9.5
Pass 1 1 1 1 1 2
Electrode Class E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17 E3XX-16, E3XX-17
Electrode Size in. 3/32 1/8 5/32 3/16 3/16
Electrode Size mm. 2.4 3.2 4.0 4.8 4.8
Current (amp) DC(+) 60 85 125 160 160 175
Arc Speed (in./min.) 14 - 16 12.5 - 13.5 10.5 - 11.5 6.2 - 6.8 6.2 - 6.8 5.7 - 6.3
Arc Speed mm/sec. 5.9 -6.8 5.3 - 5.7 4.4 - 4.9 2.6 - 2.9 2.6 - 2.9 2.4 - 2.7
Electrode Req’d (lb/ft) 0.028 0.056 0.094 0.22 0.45
Electrode Req’d kg/m. 0.042 0.083 0.140 0.33 0.67
Total Time (hr/ft of weld) 0.0133 0.0154 0.0182 0.0308 0.0641
Total Time hrs/m of weld 0.0436 0.0505 0.0597 0.101 0.210
T (in.) 0.04 1/32 3/64 1/16 0
T mm. 1.0 0.8 1.2 1.6 0
AC can be used with a 10% increase in current. E3XX-15 electrode can be used with a 10% decrease in current.

Figure 10 — Suggested procedures for SMAW of corner joints in austenitic stainless steel from
14 gauge (2.0mm) to 3/8 inch (9.5mm) thickness in the flat position.

26
 FIGURE 11 — Butt joint designs for submerged-arc welding.

FIGURE 12 — A typical double-V weld in Type 304 plate. Pass 1 was made at 700 amp, 33 volts,
16 ipm (6.8mm/sec); pass 2 at 950 amp, 35 volts, 12 ipm (5.1mm/sec). The power was DCRP;
electrode 3/16-in. (4.8mm). Type 308; neutral flux.

FIGURE 13 — Recommended groove dimensions for copper backing bars in the

submerged arc welding of stainless steels.

27
FIGURE 14 — (a) Contour of a weld bead in the flat position with the work horizontal; (b) welding slightly uphill;
(c) welding slightly downhill.

the flux is called “neutral.” The term The several methods of starting the to DC electrode negative polarity,
neutral is only relative in that the alloy weld that are commonly in use and to limit the wire feed speed to
content of the weld is still altered by include: the low end of the normal range –
the flux. Lincoln flux ST-100 is an e.g., 60 ipm wire feed for 1/8"
alloy flux for use with solid stainless Scratch Start — In a scratch start, electrode, or 80 ipm for 3/32"
steel electrodes. It contains the wire is fed toward the work and electrode.
chromium which helps compensate the carriage travel is also started.
for chromium in the electrode that is When the wire touches the work, it 10.3
oxidized in the arc and therefore not will not fuse to the workpiece WELDING WITH THE GAS
recovered in the weld deposit. because of the relative motion of the METAL ARC PROCESS
Lincoln fluxes 801, 802, 880, 880M, carriage. This type of starting is also
882, and Blue Max 2000 are neutral called a “flying start.”
fluxes designed for welding with solid Stainless steels may be welded by
stainless steel electrodes. With Retract Starting — The wire is the gas metal arc process, using
Nb(Cb) – bearing stainless filler metal “inched” toward the work and either spray arc, shortcircuiting or
(such as ER347), slag removal is covered with flux. When the weld is pulsed arc transfer.
often best with Blue Max 2000 or started, the wire retracts momentarily Copper backup strips are necessary
802 fluxes. Lincoln flux 860 is a and then reverses to feed forward. for welding stainless steel sections
neutral flux that can be used with This method is not recommended for up to 1/16 inch thick. Backup is also
308L electrode for applications light gauge stainless steel. needed when welding 1/4 inch and
requiring a lower ferrite number. It thicker plate from one side only.
Once the arc is initiated, it is
should be noted that this combina-
important to monitor the various No air must be permitted to reach
tion will produce a tighter slag with
parameters. Welding current is the the underside of the weld while the
surface slag sticking. Lincoln MIL-
most influential variable. Next in weld puddle is solidifying.
800H flux can be used with ER308L
importance is welding voltage.
filler metal to produce a 308H (0.04- Oxygen picked up by the molten
Welding speed changes conform to
0.08%C) deposit. metal may reduce the corrosion
a pattern; if the speed is increased,
The composition ranges listed in there is less weld reinforcement; if resistance and ductility of the
AWS A5.9 are broad. Since com- decreased, there is more weld rein- stainless steel as it cools. To prevent
position profoundly affects weld forcement. In addition, weld speed this, the underside of the weld
quality and serviceability, the can affect depth of penetration. should be shielded by an inert gas
complete range of variations cannot such as argon. The shielding gas
always be tolerated in the deposit. source can be built into the fixture.
Cladding with Submerged Arc —
To maintain control, the welding Electrode diameters as large as 3/32
SAW is normally a high dilution
technique, alloy content of the flux or inch, but usually less than 1/16 inch,
process, which is undesirable for
other appropriate changes should be are used with relatively high currents
cladding. A procedure that works
made to compensate for variations in to create the spray arc transfer. A
well, however, is to change from the
filler metal composition. current of approximately 300-350
normal DC electrode positive polarity

28
amperes is required for a 1/16" For welding plate 1/4 inch and the CO2 level low enough so that is
electrode, depending on the shield- thicker, the gun should be moved does not influence the corrosion
ing gas and type of stainless wire back and forth in the direction of the resistance of the metal. High
being used. The degree of spatter is joint and at the same time moved inductance in the power supply
dependent upon the composition slightly from side to side. On thinner output is beneficial when using this
and flow rate of the shielding gas, metal, however, only back and forth gas mixture.
wire feed speed and the characteris- motion along the joint is used. The
Single pass welds may also be made
tics of the welding power supply. more economical shortcircuiting
using argon-oxygen and argon-CO2
DCEP is used for most stainless steel transfer process for thinner material
gas mixes. However, arc voltage for
GMA welding and an argon 1 or should be employed in the overhead
steady shortcircuiting transfer may be
2%-oxygen gas mixture is recom- and horizontal position for at least
as much as 6 volts lower than for the
mended. Suggested procedures for the root and first passes. Although
helium based gas. The colder arc
GMA welding 200 and 300 series some operators use a short digging
may lead to lack of fusion defects.
stainless steels in the spray transfer spray arc to control the puddle, the
The CO2 in the shielding gas will
mode are given in Figure 15. weld may be abnormally porous.
affect the corrosion resistance of
On square butt welds, a backup strip Power supply units with slope, multipass welds made with
should be used to prevent weld voltage and inductance controls are shortcircuiting transfer due to carbon
metal drop-through. When fitup is recommended for the welding of pickup.
poor or copper backing cannot be stainless steel with shortcircuiting
Wire extension or stickout should be
used, drop-through may be transfer. Inductance, in particular,
kept as short as possible. Backhand
minimized by shortcircuiting transfer plays an important part in obtaining
welding is usually easier on fillet
welding the first pass. proper puddle fluidity.
welds and will result in a neater weld.
When welding with the semiauto- The shielding gas often recommend- Forehand welding should be used for
matic gun, forehand (“pushing”) ed for shortcircuiting welding of butt welds. Outside corner welds
techniques are beneficial. Although stainless steel contains 90% helium, may be made with a straight motion.
the operator’s hand is exposed to 7.5% argon and 2.5% carbon
A slight backward and forward
more radiated heat, better visibility is dioxide. The gas gives the most
motion along the axis of the joint
obtained. desirable bead contour while keeping

Gas-Argon + 1% Oxygen.
Gas flow 35 cfh.
(16.5L/min.)

Plate Thickness (in.) 1/8 1/4 3/8 1/2

Plate Thickness mm. 3.2 6.4 9.5 12.7
Electrode Size in. 1/16 1/16 1/16 3/32
Electrode Size mm. 1.6 1.6 1.6 2.4
Pass 1 2 2 4
Current DC(+) 225 275 300 325
Wire Feed Speed (ipm) 140 175 200 225
Wire Feed Speed mm/sec. 60 74 85 95
Arc Speed (ipm) 19 - 21 19 - 21 15 - 17 15 - 17
Arc Speed mm/sec. 8.0 - 8.9 8.0 - 8.9 6.3 - 7.2 6.3 - 7.2
Electrode Required (lb/ft) 0.075 0.189 0.272 0.495
Electrode Required kg./m 0.112 0.282 0.405 0.737
Total Time (hr/ft of weld) 0.010 0.020 0.025 0.050
Total Time hr/m of weld. 0.033 0.066 0.082 0.164

FIGURE 15 — Suggested procedures for GMAW of butt joints in 200 and 300 series stainless steels
using the spray arc transfer mode.

29
Gasflow 15 to 20 cfh
(7.1 - 9.4 L/min.)
Helium, + 7-1/2% Argon,
+2-1/2% C02
Electrode 0.030 in. (0.8mm) dia.

Plate Thickness (in.) 0.063 0.078 0.093 0.125 0.063 0.078*

Plate Thickness mm. 1.6 2.0 2.4 3.2 1.6 2.0
Electrode Size in. 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
Electrode Size mm. 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
Current DC(+) 85 90 105 125 85 90
Voltage* 21 - 22 21 - 22 21 - 22 21 - 22 21 - 22 21 - 22
Wire Feed Speed (ipm) 184 192 232 280 184 192
Wire Feed Speed mm/sec. 78 81 98 119 78 81
Welding Speed (ipm) 17 -19 13 - 15 14 - 16 14 - 16 19 - 21 11.5 - 12.5
Welding Speed mm/sec. 7.2 - 8.0 5.5 - 6.3 5.9 - 6.8 5.9 - 6.8 8.0 - 8.9 4.9 - 5.3
Electrode Required (lb/ft) 0.025 0.034 0.039 0.046 0.023 0.039
Electrode Required kg/m 0.037 0.051 0.058 0.069 0.034 0.058
Total Time (hr/ft of weld) 0.0111 0.0143 0.0133 0.0133 0.0100 0.0167
Total Time hr/m of weld 0.0364 0.0469 0.0436 0.0436 0.0328 0.0548

FIGURE 16 — Suggested procedures for GMAW of butt joints and lap joints in 200 and 300 series
stainless steels using the short circuiting transfer mode.

FIGURE 17 — Schematic of the hot-wire system for the automatic TIG welding of stainless steels.

30
Plate Thickness (in.) 1/16 3/32 1/8 3/16 1/4 1/2
mm. 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.8 6.4 12.7
Current DC(–) 80 - 100 100 - 120 120 - 140 200 - 250 200 - 350 225 - 375
Electrode Diameter (in.) 1/16 1/16 1/16 3/32 1/8 1/8
mm. 1.6 1.6 1.6 2.4 3.2 3.2
Gas Flow, Argon (cfh) 10 10 10 15 20 25
L/min.. 4.7 4.7 4.7 7.1 9.4 11.8
Filler-Rod Diameter (in.) 1/16 1/16 3/32 1/8 1/8 1/8
mm. 1.6 1.6 2.4 3.2 3.2 3.2
Arc Speed (ipm) 12 12 12 10 8 8
mm/sec 5.1 5.1 5.1 4.2 3.4 3.4
Total Time (hr/ft of weld) 0.0167 0.0167 0.0167 0.0200 0.0250 0.0250
hr/m. of weld 0.0548 0.0548 0.0548 0.0656 0.0820 0.0820

Plate Thickness, T (in.) 1/16 3/32 1/8 3/16 1/4 1/2

mm. 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.8 6.4 12.7
Current DC(–) 90 - 110 110 - 130 130 - 150 225 - 275 225 - 350 225 - 375
Electrode Diameter (in.) 1/16 1/16 1/16 3/32 1/8 1/8
mm. 1.6 1.6 1.6 2.4 3.2 3.2
Gas Flow, Argon (cfh) 10 10 10 15 20 25
L/min.. 4.7 4.7 4.7 7.1 9.4 11.8
Filler-Rod Diameter (in.) 1/16 1/16 3/32 1/8 1/8 1/8
mm. 1.6 1.6 2.4 3.2 3.2 3.2
Arc Speed (ipm) 10 10 10 8 8 8
mm/sec 4.2 4.2 4.2 3.4 3.4 3.4
Total Time (hr/ft of weld) 0.0200 0.0200 0.0200 0.0250 0.0250 0.0250
hr/m. of weld 0.0656 0.0656 0.0656 0.0820 0.0820 0.0820
For vertical-up and overhead, decrease current 10 to 20%.

FIGURE 18 — Suggested procedures for GTAW of butt, corner, tee and lap joints in stainless steels.

31
 TABLE XVII — Typical Travel Speeds and Deposition Rates with GTAW-Hot Wire
Wire Size: 1.2mm (0.045 in.)
Shielding Gas: 75% He, 25% A
Electrode: 4.0-4.8mm (5/32-3/16 in.) 2% Th
Arc Arc Travel Speed Wire Speed Feed Deposition Rate
Current Voltage
Amps Volts mm/Sec In/Min. mm/Sec In/Min. Kg/Hr Lbs/Hr
300 10 - 12 1.7 - 4.2 4 - 10 46 - 157 110 - 370 1.4 - 4.5 3 - 10
400 11 - 13 2.5 - 5.9 6 - 14 78 - 188 185 - 445 2.3 - 5.4 5 - 12
500 12 - 15 3.4 - 8.5 8 - 20 125 - 282 295 - 665 3.6 - 8.2 8 - 18

should be used. Figure 16 summa- than with continuous weld current. ward hot shortness or tearing when
rizes the welding procedures The advantage of this is that thin they contain little or no ferrite – Type
normally used for the shortcircuiting material can be welded in the spray 347, for example. When welding
transfer welding of stainless steel. transfer mode which produces a these, more welding passes than
smooth weld with less spatter than indicated in the procedures may be
Shortcircuiting transfer welds on
the shortcircuiting transfer mode. needed. Stringer bead techniques
stainless steel made with a shielding
Another advantage is that for a given are also recommended rather than
gas of 90% He, 7-1/2% A, 2-1/2%
average current, spray transfer can weaving or oscillating from side to
CO2 show good corrosion resistance
be obtained with a larger diameter side. Hot cracking may be elimi-
and coalescence. Butt, lap and
wire than could be obtained with nated by stringer bead techniques
single fillet welds in material ranging
continuous currents. Larger diameter since there is a reduction in con-
from .060 inch to .125 inch in 304,
wires are less costly than smaller traction stresses, hence cooling is
310, 316, 321, 347, 410 and similar
sizes, and the lower ratio of surface more rapid through the hot short
stainless steels can be made
to volume reduces the amount of temperature range. A procedure that
successfully.
deposit contamination. tends to produce a more convex
The pulsed arc process, as normally bead than normal can be very
The electrode diameters for gas
used, is a spray transfer process helpful, and care should be taken to
metal arc welding are generally
wherein one small drop of molten fill craters.
between 0.030 and 3/32 inch. For
metal is transferred across the arc for
each electrode diameter, there is a Weld metal hot cracking may be
each high current pulse of weld
certain minimum welding current that reduced by shortcircuiting transfer
current. The high current pulse must
must be exceeded to achieve spray welding, because of the lower
be of sufficient magnitude and dur-
transfer. For example, when welding dilution from the base metal.
ation to cause at least one small drop
stainless steel in an argon-oxygen Excessive dilution may produce a
of molten metal to form and be
atmosphere with 0.045 inch diameter completely austenitic weld metal
propelled by the pinch effect from the
stainless steel electrode, spray having strong cracking
end of the wire to the weld puddle.
transfer will be obtained at a welding characteristics.
During the low current portion of the
current of about 220 amp DCRP. It
weld cycle, the arc is maintained and When welding magnetic stainless
must be kept in mind that, along with
the wire is heated, but the heat steels (ferritic and martensitic types)
the minimum current, a minimum arc
developed is not adequate to transfer to the relatively nonmagnetic types
voltage must also be obtained. This
any metal. For this reason, the time (austenitic types), it is desirable to:
is generally between 22 and 30 volts.
duration at the low current value
1. Use a single bevel joint to obtain
must be limited otherwise metal Electrodes come on spools varying in
minimum joint reinforcement.
would be transferred in the globular weight between 2 and 60 lb. Also
mode. available are electrodes for welding 2. Use low heat input shortcircuiting
the straight chromium stainless steels transfer to minimize the arc deflec-
Wire diameters of 0.045 and 0.035
and austenitic electrodes that contain tion encountered when welding
inch are most commonly used with
more than the usual amount of magnetic to nonmagnetic steels.
this process. Gases for pulsed arc
silicon. The latter have particularly
welding, such as argon plus 1% 3. For uniform fusion, be sure the
good wetting characteristics when
oxygen are popular, the same as wire is kept centered over the
used with the shortcircuiting transfer
used for spray arc welding. These nonbeveled edge of the joint.
process.
and other wire sizes can be welded
Parameters and procedures for
in the spray transfer mode at a lower Some stainless steel weld metals
welding 200 and 300 series stainless
average current with pulsed current during welding have a tendency to-

32
steels by the GMAW spray arc mode the tungsten electrode does not amp DCEN (Table XVII). Still greater
are given in Figure 15. Figure 16 actually touch the work, the deposition rates can be obtained
gives parameters and procedures for possibility of contaminating the stain- using an automatic oscillated welding
welding the 200 and 300 series less steel with tungsten is greatly technique. Voltage control is
stainless steels by the GMAW reduced. Straight polarity (DC-) essential to achieve control of the
shortcircuiting mode. should be used – which produces a large puddle when welding at high
deep, penetrating weld. deposition rates. For this reason,
10.4 TIG hot wire welding requires the use
A “scratch” start may be used in lieu
WELDING WITH THE GAS of a high frequency start, although
of voltage control equipment.
TUNGSTEN ARC PROCESS there is some possibility of tungsten By using closely spaced multiple
pickup. The arc should not be struck tungsten electrodes, the welding
All stainless steel alloys that are on a carbon block because of the speed can also be increased sub-
considered weldable can be welded likelihood of carbon contamination. stantially when GTA welding stainless
readily with the gas tungsten arc steel tubing or sheet. Multiple elec-
Stainless steels are readily welded
process (GTAW). trodes practically eliminate the
with automatic GTAW. Arc voltage is
problem of undercutting at high
The preferred electrodes are proportional to arc length – thus a
speeds.
thoriated, ceriated, or lanthanated reliable signal can be generated to
tungsten as specified in AWS A5.12. operate automatic arc voltage control Procedures and parameters for GTA
The advantage of these electrodes is equipment. Filler metal may be used, welding of stainless steel in thick-
that they have a more stable arc and or light gauge material may be joined nesses from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch
can be used with higher currents by simple fusion of the joint edges. (1.6 to 12.7 mm) are given in Figure
than pure tungsten electrodes. When “cold” filler metal is used, it is 18. These include butt, corner, tee
always added to the front of the and lap type joints.
The shielding gas is usually argon, puddle.
but helium or mixtures of argon and Distortion Control in Austenitic,
helium are used on heavy sections. The so called “hot wire” method of Precipitation Hardening, and
The advantages of argon are that welding gives greatly increased Duplex Ferritic–Austenitic
flow rates can be lower, the arc is deposition rates and welding speeds. Stainless Steels
more stable and the arc voltage is The wire – which trails the torch, as
Austenitic Stainless steels have a
somewhat less than with helium. illustrated in Figure 17 – is resistance
50% greater coefficient of expansion
The lower voltage makes it possible heated by a separate AC power
and 30% lower heat conductivity
to weld thin sheet without burn supply. It is fed through a contact
than mild steel. Duplex stainless
through. tube and extends beyond the tube.
steels are only slightly better.
The extension is resistance heated so
Filler materials for use with the gas Allowance must be made for the
that it approaches or reaches the
tungsten arc process are in the form greater expansion and contraction
melting point before it contacts the
of solid wire available in coils for when designing austenitic stainless
weld puddle. Thus, the tungsten
automatic welding or straight lengths steel structures. More care is
electrode furnishes the heat to melt
for manual welding. These are required to control the greater
the base metal and the AC power
specified in AWS A5.9 which also distortion tendencies. Here are some
supply furnishes a large portion of the
applies to filler material for Gas Metal specific distortion control hints:
energy needed to resistance melt the
Arc and Submerged Arc welding. filler wire. The hot wire method is, in Rigid jigs and fixtures hold parts to
Consumable inserts, specified in effect, an adaptation of the long be welded in proper alignment.
AWS A5.30, are useful for root stickout principle used in submerged Distortion is minimized by allowing
passes with gas tungsten arc. arc and self-shielded flux cored arc the weld to cool in the fixture.
The DC power source for gas welding. The wire used for hot wire
Copper chill bars placed close to the
tungsten arc welding must be a TIG welding is usually 0.045 inch
weld zone help remove heat and
constant current type, and it is diameter. Since the wire is melted. or
prevent distortion caused by
recommended that a high frequency very nearly melted by its own power
expansion. Back-up chill bars under
voltage be superimposed on the source, the deposition rate can be
the joint are always recommended
welding circuit. The high frequency controlled almost independently of
when butt welding 14 gauge
need be on only to start the arc. As the arc.
(2.0mm) and thinner material. A
the electrode is brought close to the Using the GTA hot wire method, groove in the bar helps form the
work, the high frequency jumps the deposition rates up to 18 lb/hr can be bead shape. NOTE: Keep the arc
gap from the tungsten to the work achieved when welding at 400 to 500 away from the copper. Copper
and ignites the welding arc. Since

33
contamination of the weld causes
cracking.
Without fixtures, tack weld the joint
every couple of inches and peen the
tacks to remove shrinkage stresses.
Finish the joint with a welding
sequence designed to minimize
distortion.
A planned sequence of welding
always helps control distortion. The
techniques used in mild steel
welding can be used. Skip welding
and back-step welding are
recommended for light gauge steels.
Low current and stringer beads
reduce distortion by limiting the
amount of heat at the weld. Also, do
not deposit excessive weld metal. It
seldom adds to the strength of the
weld and does increase heat input
and promotes distortion.
If a structure of heavy steel is not
rigidly held during welding, many
small beads will cause more total
distortion than a few large beads.
Distortion Control in Ferritic and
Martensitic Stainless Steels
Since they have heat expansion
properties similar to mild steel, plate
structures of ferritic and martensitic
stainless steels are designed and
welded with about the same
distortion controls and allowances as
mild steel. However, because they
have lower thermal conductivity than
mild steel, the heat remains
concentrated in the area of the weld.
This causes distortion problems in
thin-gauge steel. This distortion can
be controlled with suitable jigs and
fixtures, proper joint design and a
correct welding sequence.

34
 • Wear correct eye, ear and body
SOURCES OF AWS – FMC
protection.
Filler Metal Comparison Charts –
ADDITIONAL American Welding Society • Do not touch live electrical parts
INFORMATION Literature from filler metal
or permit electrically live parts or
electrodes to contact skin or your
manufacturers:
clothing or gloves if they are wet.
Additional information on the welding ASM Metals Handbook
of stainless steels can be obtained • Insulate yourself from work and
Volume 1 – Properties and
from the sources listed below: ground.
Selection of Metals, 8th Edition –
ASM International
The Welding Handbook ASM Metals Handbook
7th Edition, Volume 4, Chapter 2 –
IMPORTANT:
Volume 3 – Properties and
American Welding Society Selection of Stainless Steels, Tool
ANSI/AWS D10.4 Materials and Special Purpose Special ventilation and/or exhaust
Metals, 9th Edition – ASM are required when welding high
Recommended Practices for
International chromium alloys such as stainless
Welding Austenitic Stainless Steel
steels.
Piping and Tubing – American The Making, Shaping and Treating
Welding Society of Steel Fumes from the normal use of
AWS – A4.2 10th Edition, United States Steel stainless steel filler materials contain
Corporation significant quantities of chromium
Standard Procedures for
compounds. The PEL (OSHA
Calibrating Magnetic Instruments ANSI – Z49.1
Permissible Exposure Limit for
to Measure the Delta Ferrite Safety in Welding, Cutting and chromium VI (0.005 mg/m3) will be
Content of Austenitic and Duplex Allied Processes – American exceeded before reaching the 5.0
Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Welding Society mg/m3 maximum exposure guideline
Weld Metal – American Welding Welding Metallurgy of Stainless for total welding fume.
Society Steels
AWS – A5.4 BEFORE USING, READ AND
by Erich Folkhard, Springer -
UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL
Specification for Stainless Steel Verlag, New York
SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)* FOR
Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc
THE FILLER MATERIAL TO BE
Welding – American Welding
USED.
Society
AWS – A5.9 • See American National Standard
Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting
Specification for Bare Stainless
and Allied Processes, published
Steel Welding Electrodes and WARNING – HEALTH & by the American Welding Society,
Rods – American Welding Society
AWS – A5.22
SAFETY NOTICE 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami,
Florida 33126;
Specification Stainless Steel OSHA Safety and Health
Electrodes for Flux-Cored Arc Protect yourself and others. Read Standards, 29 CFR 1910,
Welding and Stainless Steel Cored and understand the label provided available from the U.S.
Rods for Gas Tungsten Arc with filler material for welding. Government Printing Office,
Welding – American Welding FUMES AND GASES can be Washington, DC 20402-0001
Society dangerous to your health. ARC RAYS * Available from
AWS – A5.30 can injure eyes and burn skin. The Lincoln Electric Company
Specification for Consumable ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill. (for Lincoln products)
Inserts – American Welding • Read and understand the 22801 St. Clair Avenue
Society manufacturer’s instructions and Cleveland, Ohio 44117
ASM Metals Handbook your employer’s safety practices.
Volume 6 – Welding and Brazing – • Keep your head out of the fumes.
8th Edition – ASM International
• Use enough ventilation, exhaust at
ASM Metals Handbook the arc, or both, to keep fumes
Volume 6 – Welding, Brazing and and gases away from your
Soldering – 9th Edition – ASM breathing zone and the general
International area.

35
Lincoln Electric has an extensive standard* line of consumables for welding stainless steels,
including:
COATED ELECTRODES FOR SHIELDED METAL ARC WELDING
AWS A5.4
Classification ELECTRODES OPTIMIZED FOR
Blue Max 308/308L AC-DC E308L-17, E308-17 VERTICAL DOWN WELDING
Blue Max 309/309L AC-DC E309L-17, E309-17
Blue Max 316/316L AC-DC E316L-17, E316-17 AWS A5.4
Blue Max 347 AC-DC E347-17 Classification
Red Baron 308/308L-V MR E308-15, E308L-15
Red Baron 308/308H MR E308-16, E308H-16 Red Baron 309/309L-V MR E309-15, E309L-15
Red Baron 308L MR E308L-16 Red Baron 316/316L-V MR E316-15, E316L-15
Red Baron 309/309L MR E309-16, E309L-16
Red Baron 310 MR E310-16
Red Baron 316/316L MR E316L-16, E316-16
Red Baron 347 MR E347-16

SOLID WIRES FOR FLUXES FOR SUBMERGED ARC WELDING

SUBMERGED ARC WELDING
(No AWS classification is applicable.)
AWS A5.9 Lincolnweld MIL 800
Classification Lincolnweld 801
Blue Max S308/308L ER308, ER308L Lincolnweld 802
Blue Max S309/309L ER309, ER309L Lincolnweld 860
Blue Max S316/316L ER316, ER316L Lincolnweld 880
Lincolnweld 880M
SOLID WIRES FOR GAS METAL ARC Lincolnweld 882
WELDING AND GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING Lincolnweld ST-100
Blue Max 2000
AWS A5.9
Classification FLUX CORED WIRES FOR
Blue Max MIG 308LSi ER308LSi, ER308Si CO2 OR 75Ar-25CO2 WELDING
Blue Max MIG 309LSi ER309LSi, ER309Si
Blue Max MIG 316LSi ER316LSi, ER316Si BLUE MAX FC308L BLUE MAX FCP309L
BLUE MAX FC309L BLUE MAX FCP316L
BLUE MAX FC316L
METAL CORED WIRE FOR
GAS METAL ARC WELDING FLUXES FOR STRIP CLADDING
(No AWS Classification is applicable.)
AWS A5.9
Classification Blue Max 3000 (for submerged arc)
OUTERSHIELD MC 409 EC409 Blue Max 4000 (for electroslag)
OUTERSHIELD MC 409W EC409
CUT LENGTHS FOR MANUAL GAS
TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING
* Many other compositions are available on
special order. Contact your Lincoln Electric AWS A5.9
Representative. Lincoln Classification
ER308/308L ER308, ER308L
ER309/309L ER309, ER309L
ER316/316L ER316, ER316L

36
 Customer Assistance Policy

The business of The Lincoln Electric Company is manufacturing and selling high quality welding equipment, consumables,
and cutting equipment. Our challenge is to meet the needs of our customers and to exceed their expectations. On
occasion, purchasers may ask Lincoln Electric for advice or information about their use of our products. We respond to our
customers based on the best information in our possession at that time. Lincoln Electric is not in a position to warrant or
guarantee such advice, and assumes no liability, with respect to such information or advice. We expressly disclaim any
warranty of any kind, including any warranty of fitness for any customer’s particular purpose, with respect to such
information or advice. As a matter of practical consideration, we also cannot assume any responsibility for updating or
correcting any such information or advice once it has been given, nor does the provision of information or advice crete,
expand or alter any warranty with respect to the sale of our products.

Lincoln Electric is a responsive manufacturer, but the selection and use of specific products sold by Lincoln Electric is
solely within the control of, and remains the sole responsibility of the customer. Many variables beyond the control of
Lincoln Electric affect the results obtained in applying these type of fabrication methods and service requirements.

IMPORTANT: SPECIAL VENTILATION

AND/OR EXHAUST REQUIRED
Fumes from the normal use of these products
contain significant quantities of Chromium
compounds which may be harmful.

BEFORE USE, READ AND UNDERSTAND THE

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) FOR
THIS PRODUCT AND SPECIFIC INFORMATION
PRINTED ON THE PRODUCT CONTAINER.

37
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THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY

Publication C6.4000 | Issue Date 02/11 22801 St. Clair Avenue • Cleveland, OH • 44117-1199 • U.S.A.
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