Welding Stainless Steel: Practical Guidelines

Match filler metal to the base grade (e.g., 308L for 304, 316L for 316). Use low heat input to avoid sensitization, and prefer TIG/GMAW with proper shielding gas. For dissimilar joints, 309L buffer layers help.

Keep the back side purged with argon for critical orbital welds, and never contaminate stainless with carbon-steel tools.