TIG Welding Technique for Stainless Steels
- Out running the heat
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Maintaining Arc Length, Shielding, and Travel Speed
Out running the heat
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Stainless steel has low thermal conductivity. That means that heat can build up quickly.
You could say that stainless is the opposite of aluminum when it comes to thermal conductivity.
That is why aluminum requires more amperage than carbon steel while stainless steel requires less.
So if you take a long time to get your puddle established on stainless, heat can build up so much that it can be difficult to out run.
One way to avoid excess build up of heat is the 3 second rule….get the puddle established and moving within 3 seconds,,,2 seconds is even better.
With a foot pedal amperage control this might even include using more amperage for the first 2 seconds and then backing off amperage once things get moving.
One great thing about tig welding stainless steel is that restarts are relatively easy. So if things get too hot, simply stop and let cool for a while. You can even speed cool 300 series stainless using compressed air or even distilled water.
After cooling simply restart using the 3 second rule.
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Maintaining Arc Length and Shielding
An arc length that is equal to or less than the diameter of the tungsten used will give good results and help to pinpoint the arc and control the puddle.
A lot of problems can be cured by a tight arc
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