General Instructions for the Welding and Post-Weld Surface Treatments of Fabrications and Welded Components Made from Austenitic Stainless Steel

Abstract

When welding austenitic stainless steels the tendency towards greater distortion should be taken into consideration. Depending on the component design and dimensions, distortion can be counteracted and the need for straightening after welding reduced by following these guidelines:

• Use clamping fixtures where possible, particularly when welding thin material.

• Avoid corner welds, instead where possible bend corners and then butt weld the joints.

• Use tack welds, with the maximum distance between tacks being 100 mm. The length of tack welds should be 30–40 mm.

• The welding sequence should start from the center of the joint working outwards or be carried out using the back step technique.

• Use double V butt joints even when welding thin materials.