What type of welding is primarily used when working with stainless steel?

TIG welding, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding, is primarily used when working with stainless steel due to its ability to create high-quality, precise welds with minimal contamination. This process utilizes a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld, allowing for greater control over the heat input and resulting in a cleaner and stronger weld.

The argon or helium shielding gas used in TIG welding protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination, which is especially important when working with stainless steel, as maintaining the integrity of its alloy composition is crucial for preventing corrosion. This method is particularly advantageous for thin materials or intricate designs commonly encountered in stainless steel fabrication, making it a preferred choice in many industrial applications.

While other welding methods like MIG, Stick, and Oxy-fuel welding can be used for stainless steel, they may not provide the same level of quality and finesse that TIG welding achieves, particularly in terms of avoiding oxidation and ensuring a precise, aesthetically pleasing finish.