Material Preparation prior to tig welding
- Cleaning Techniques
- Preventing Cross-Contamination
- Tools and Best Practices
- Laser and plasma cut edges
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Clean stainless steel for TIG welding is critical to achieving clean, strong, and corrosion-resistant welds. Here’s some best practices to prepare stainless steel for TIG welding:
- Remove Oils and Grease: The first step in preparing stainless steel for tig welding is to use a solvent such as acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or a dedicated degreaser to wipe down the surface.
- Eliminate Dust and Dirt: Brush or wipe off visible debris with a lint-free cloth. Sometimes shop dust can contain iron from grinding or sanding on carbon steel. Welding stainless steel with existing carbon steel dust can compromise the corrosion resistance.
- Avoid Abrasive Cross-Contamination: If sanding or grinding is necessary, use abrasives made specifically for stainless steel. Do not use abrasives or wire brushes previously used on carbon steel.
- Use only dedicated Stainless Steel Wire Brushes: Ensure any wire brush is dedicated to stainless steel to avoid cross-contamination.
- not all stainless requires abrasive or wire brush cleaning prior to welding: some examples are sanitary stainless tubing and new stainless sheet metal
Edges like saw cut, plasma cut, laser cut
Ensure Clean Edges (for Joint Preparation)
- Deburr and Smooth Edges: If you're stainless steel has been cut by plasma cutter, the dross needs to be removed using a flap disc or other abrasive.
- ensure edges are cleanly cut and free from burrs. Sand or file rough edges as needed. Some laser cut edges are adequate for tig welding without further preparation but it won’t hurt anything to clean them up with dedicated flap disc designed for stainless.
- Fit-Up Quality: Ensure tight and consistent joint fit-up for even penetration and minimized distortion.
Prevent Cross-Contamination
- Dedicated Tools: Use only tools (grinders, files, clamps) designated for stainless steel to prevent contamination from carbon steel or other materials.
- Clean Gloves: Wear clean gloves to avoid transferring oils or residues from your hands onto the stainless steel.
