Steel Sheets Discolored From Welding

The colour formed when stainless steel is heated either in a furnace application or in the heat affected zone of welds is dependent on several factors that are related to the oxidation resistance of the steel.

Steel sheets discolored from welding.

Excessive weight well beyond the maximum load of the steel alloy can cause it to deform. To weld sheet metal with solid wires use electrode positive ep or reverse polarity. While not normally a contributing factor to the discoloration of stainless steel the load on a piece of stainless steel wire or sheet metal can be a contributing factor to damage when other stress factors are present. This weld discoloration or heat tint should not be con fused with the naturally occurring transparent oxide film present on all stainless steel which is largely responsible for the alloys corrosion resistance in aggressive environments.

If you were to use a really large tig nozzle things would improve. When welding 304 stainless steel er308 er308l and er308lsi wires are compatible but for welding 316l stainless you need a 316l wire. Click to read more about these methods however the choice of method depends largely on the scope of the problem. I don t think welding it in a argon chamber will keep it from discoloring.

Several methods are commonly used to remove discoloration on stainless steel after welding electrochemical cleaning chemical pickling and mechanical grinding brushing are just few of them. Cleanse the discolored stainless steel with a terry cloth soaked in white vinegar. The heat tint or temper colour formed is caused by the progressive thickening of the surface oxide layer and so as temperature is increased the colours change. It s the atmosphere coming in contact with the stainless after the post flow stops while the peice is still hot that causes it to oxidize.

However stainless steel can discolor after welding and lose both its good looks and its corrosion resistance. Step 3 pour a bleach free powdered cleanser and polisher onto a cloth and scrub over stubborn discolored spots until they are removed. Stainless steel is an attractive material that can make for beautiful welded projects. Unlike most kinds of steel stainless won t rust or corrode when exposed to the elements.

Topic welding industry technical discussions stainless steel discoloration by apiguy date 06 19 2002 16 16 does anyone know where i can obtain a chart that would describe the heat tint discoloration of stainless steels. That is why gas welding steel with an oxyfuel torch looks so gray all over. It is just a matter of the argon shielding envelope leaving the hot metal before it has a chance to cool enough to not oxidize.