Welding Stainless Steel Steps Guides part 2

#3. Choose The Welding Process
The three most common stainless welding processes are:

SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding or Stick Electrode
SMAW is an electric arc welding process in which heat for welding is generated by an electric arc between a covered metal electrode & the base metal. The electrode coating provides shielding. The welding equipment for this process is currently the most inexpensive of the methods described here. However, electrodes do create some inefficiency, such as stub loss & a slag coating, which must be removed.

GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding-Tig Welding
Tig Welding is easily performed on a variety of metals. It generally requires little or no post weld finishing. It is an electric welding process in which heat for welding is generated by an electric arc between the end of a non-consumable tungsten electrode & the base metal. Filler metal may be added, if necessary. An inert shielding gas supplies shielding for the arc. (Inert gas creates a protective atmosphere around the welding in process).

FCAW - Flux Cored Arc Welding-Mig Welding
Flux is contained within the electrode. It provides shielding, deoxidization & arc stabilization. Additional shielding may be added. A smoke suction nozzle around the gun or fume hood aids in reduction of smoke & fumes. Aufhauser flux cored stainless steel wire is formulated to provide all position welding & smooth, stable arc action.

GMAW - Gas Metal Arc Welding-Mig Welding
Gas metal arc welding is quick & easy on thin-gauge metal as well as heavy plate. It generally calls for little post weld cleanup. GMAW is an electric arc welding process where heat is produced by an arc between a continuously fed filler metal electrode & the base metal. Shielding is obtained from an externally supplied gas or gas mixture. The two most common types of GMAW are:

Short Circuit Transfer – The arc is broken or short circuited with each drop of metal & restarted. It is used on smaller, thinner gauges & produces a shallow weld.

Spray Transfer – Metal is transferred across the arc creating a continuous spray of fine droplets of metal. These droplets are projected down to the base metal.

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