321 Stainless Steel Welding Techniques

1. What weld consumables are best for 321? ER321 (TIG/MIG) and E321-16 (SMAW) to match stabilization and corrosion resistance.

2. Do I need to preheat 321 before welding? No, preheating is only needed for thick plates (>20mm) to prevent cracking.

3. Can 321 be welded to 304? Yes, use ER321 consumables to ensure the weld resists intergranular corrosion.

4. What is the optimal shielding gas for TIG welding 321? Pure argon (99.99%) or argon with 2-5% helium for deeper penetration.

5. Is post-weld cleaning necessary for 321? Yes, pickling and passivation remove weld scale and restore surface corrosion resistance.