If you manufacture a compound metal form, you must be conversant with the word welding. There are two main categories of welding one being MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and the other one TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas). MIG welding employs an incessantly-fed electrode wire which thaws into the metal.
The welding wire functions like a filler substance permitting two pieces to join each other. Stainless steel wire is the wire that most people use for welding due to its corrosion-resistant ability. Let us look at what gas for MIG welding stainless steel.
What is the Correct Shielding Gas for MIG Welding Stainless Steel?
What gas for MIG welding stainless steel? This is the most important question to have before you start welding. Choosing the right shielding gas matters.
Argon plus carbon dioxide gas is the best gas for stainless steel welding. You can either choose from the following combinations:
- 98% Argon plus 2% Carbon dioxide
- 95% Argon plus 5% Carbon dioxide
- 95% Argon plus 10% Carbon dioxide
- 95% Argon plus 25% Carbon dioxide
- 90% Helium plus 7.5% Argon plus 2.5% Carbon dioxide
Mostly, the 95% Argon plus 2% Carbon dioxide gas is used. The amount of carbon dioxide can be from 2% up to 25% of the total mix.
However, some welders use a tri-mix gas of 90% Helium, 7.5% Argon, and 2.5% Carbon dioxide to act as a shielding gas.
When selecting the correct electrodes as well as the shielding gas for welding, it is good that you gather some knowledge from the best professional MIG welder.
Besides, read carefully the instructions each electrode you purchase to understand the gas needs. Avoid using any gas for a particular electrode without acquiring the necessary information.
What should my gas be set at for MIG welding?
The appropriate measure of the shielding gas is 2% carbon dioxide and 98% Argon. Make sure there is a suitable flow rate of the gas for a quality weld.
Using this gas is very crucial as it prevents any atmospheric gas from causing pinhole imperfections to the molten metal. It also protects the metal from porosity.
How to set the gas
The following are simple steps on how to set the MIG welding gas to ensure smooth flow:
- Lock the gas cylinder to the MIG welder using a holder then clasp the shackle around the cylinder.
- Verify that the pipes connecting to the regulator are in good condition. Replace the regulator where necessary.
- Clear any contaminants or debris at the gas valve by opening and closing the valve handle speedily.
- Place in the gas regulator’s nipple inside the threaded valve part of the gas cylinder. Turn the lock clockwise until it locks tightly.
- Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nut then turn your gas on.
- Inspect for any gas leakage to avoid gas loss. If it is okay, turn the MIG welder on.
- Force down the trigger on the welder gun to turn on the gas valve. On the regulator gauge at the left, read the pressure. It should be between 25 and 30 cubic feet per hour.
- If the readings are below or more that, turn the handle at the bottom of the left regulator gauge as you depress the MIG gun trigger until you get correct readings. Faster flow rate causes turbulence and leads to air suction contaminating the weld. Cut off the extra wire that extends from the gun tip.
How Do You Prepare a Joint?
You need a joint that is correctly set up for your machine to work effectively. The joint should be free from any dirt, mill scale, rust, oils, or paint. This will enable you to produce a clean weld as well as protect you from any fires which could burn you.
Also, a clean joint allows you to make the correct machine settings. The settings are different for a dirty joint.
Advantages of MIG welding
- Ability to weld in all positions
- Helps to join a variety of metals and different thicknesses
- MIG welding is simple to handle
- Produces very few weld splatter
Disadvantages of MIG welding
- It is less portable since it requires a shielding gas.
- Appropriate for thin as well as medium metal thickness.
Safety precautions when MIG welding stainless steel
- Always wear your welding mask to cover your eyes from the bright light.
- Wear the correct clothing for welding, that is, leather clothes for UV rays protection and gloves to protect you from metal splatters.
- Wear closed shoes and avoid shoes made of synthetic.
- Use a welding screen to protect people around the welding area.
- Make sure the welding area is well ventilated. This will allow hazardous fumes to escape
FAQs
-
How does a gasless MIG welder work?
Answer: A gasless MIG welder requires no shielding gas to function. However, it employs a flux-cored wire that is held on a tubular wire feed. It makes use of vapor-forming compounds to prevent oxidation.
-
How much gas flow do I need for MIG welding stainless steel?
Answer: Start using 20 cubic feet-hour of the shielding gas. In case you are working with thinner metal, lower the flow. If you have a thicker metal, turn the gas flow up. Less flow causes the welds to be splattered.
-
Is welding stainless steel safe for my health
Answer: No, stainless steel welding produces hazardous for your health. It is therefore good to wear proper protective gear like the face mask, leather jacket, and gloves to prevent any injury.
-
What gas to use for MIG welding stainless steel
Answer: You can use pure argon gas or argon plus carbon dioxide gases. Also, you can use the tri-mix of helium, argon, and carbon dioxide. Make sure you use the correct gas flow for every metal.
Conclusion
MIG welding is one of the simplest welding tasks. You can produce the best quality weld so long as you use the correct gas shielding flow rate. Make sure you understand each metal and the type of gas to use before welding any metal pieces. What gas for MIG welding stainless steel? I guess your question is well answered.
Leave a Reply