How to Weld Stainless With a MIG
Metal inert gas (MIG) welding uses a shielding gas, such as carbon dioxide or oxygen, to prevent atmospheric gases from interfering with the welding process. MIG welding is commonly used in manufacturing to weld a variety of metals including stainless steel. Flux cored stainless steel wire used in a MIG welder provides a deeper penetration for welding surfaces and can be used in any welding position. The flux removes oxidation in the welded metals to provide a stronger bond.
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Things You'll Need
- Safety equipment
- Stainless steel welding wire
- Carbon dioxide shielding gas
Instructions
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Purchase stainless steel flux cored MIG wire that closely resembles the chemical composition of the stainless steel you are welding. The closer the chemical composition, the stronger the weld will be. Select a wire that is appropriate for your metal's thickness.
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Put on all safety equipment, including face mask or goggles, ear plugs and a heavy-duty apron or shirt.
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Change the fittings on the welding gun to match the wire size. Clean all parts of the gun to remove splattered metal, dirt and oil to prevent issues while welding.
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Clean the surfaces of the metals to remove dirt, oil and other materials that weaken the weld joint.
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Preheat the surface metal to a room temperature of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit if it is cold.
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Set the shielding gas flow rate to 40 cubic feet per hour. Set the welding machine to reverse polarity electrode positive (DCEP).
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Adjust the tension on the wire feeder hub and drive roll until the wire feeds at a steady rate. Feed wire through the gun until the wire sticks out 5/8 inches to ¾ inches.
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Grip the gun with both hands. This provides steady support while forming the weld.
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Angle the welding gun either 10 degrees forward, 10 degrees back or perpendicular with the metal. Tilting forward creates a deeper, narrower and flat weld. Tilting forward creates a wider, shallower and round weld. Perpendicular welds are rounded and deep.
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Guide the gun along the welding line and point the wire at the front of the pool of melted metal. Try to keep the width of the weld equal to the thickness of the welding surface.
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Remove any remaining slag residue from the weld joint with a chipping hammer or grinder.
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Tips & Warnings
For overhead welding, use a thinner wire and keep a smaller weld pool to prevent dripping of the filler metal.
Dipping the filler metal from the wire is acceptable, but never allow the filler metal to drip into the weld pool. This prevents splatter and maintains uniformity in the weld.
Welding uses dangerous chemicals, high voltage electricity and high-temperature heat. Maintain safe practices when welding any materials by wearing all proper safety equipment and avoiding contact with the weld until the gas has dissipated and the surface has cooled.
