Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
(OP)
What is your say (or experience) about stainless steel 304 especially its welding techniques and sensitivity compared to iron steel and how strong is it in structural applications? Tips you could share? Thank you.






RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
Thaidavid
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
There is this welder who only welds ordinary steel using arc welding... he tried to weld stainless steel.. i'm asking how much sensitive is stainless steel welding compared to steel..
Also why is there no wide flange made of stainless steel? Is the welding generally more brittle?
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
Here's a source for stainless steel wide flange sections: Link
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
Yes, there are stainless wide-flanged sections readily available (at least in the US).
When welding stainless, it is more sensitive to heat input than plain carbon steel. Too much heat (amperage) and the stainless will have tell-tale burn marks that will ruin any appearance effects that you might be aiming for in exposed stainless applications.
Dave
Thaidavid
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
If there is a 200Ampere and 300Amepre Arc Welding Machine.. can you adjust (how often is it adjustable?) the 300Ampere so it can become 200Ampere or do you have to buy exclusively 200Ampere for Stainless steel welding especially only 0.06" (1.5mm) thickness?
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
Dave
Thaidavid
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
Welding something that thin also requires a skilled welder, there are lower strength welds that should be used for less heat generation which effect the capacity.... so lets just say the area you seem to be dealing with should not be considered structural (no substantial loads, no live load, no life impact upon failure)
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
There are explicit qualification controls and testing for welders and the weld process spec those welders are using. Those qualifications require proof (test pieces and certifications) for different metal (stainless steel and carbon specifically) and different weld geometries and thickness. In my judgement, neither the weld qualification nor the weld process control is adequate for a safe structure in this case.
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. Abraham Lincoln
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
Dave
Thaidavid
RE: Stainless Steel for Structural Applications
I read the following excerpt below, It says "trace amounts carbon steel can become embedded in stainless steels, causing it to rust" and "Carbon steel dust suspended in the air can land on nearby stainless steel and lead to rusting." How true is this and what happens to the own carbon contents of the stainless steel?
http://www.thefabricator.com/article/metalsmateria...
"Preparing to Weld
As in any type of welding, it is important to clean stainless steel before welding it. What you may not realize, however, is how important it is to use tools, such as hammers and brushes, only on stainless steel because of how sensitive the material is to the presence of any carbon steel. For example, if you use a stainless steel brush to clean carbon steel, don’t use it again on any stainless steel. The same is true of stainless hammers and clamps. Why? Because trace amounts of carbon steel can become embedded in stainless steels, causing it to rust.
Similarly, grinding carbon steel in proximity to stainless steel can result in problems. Carbon steel dust suspended in the air can land on nearby stainless steel and lead to rusting. This is why it’s a good idea to keep carbon steel and stainless steel work areas separate.
"