Stainless steel is a critical material in modern manufacturing, valued for its strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. From food processing equipment and medical devices to automotive components and material handling systems, stainless steel assemblies must be welded with precision to maintain performance and reliability. Welding stainless steel is not a one-size-fits-all process, and choosing the correct method is essential for achieving clean, durable, and repeatable results.
At Salco Engineering & Manufacturing, stainless steel welding is a core capability. With decades of fabrication experience, our team provides both MIG and TIG welding services to support a wide range of custom steel products, including carts, racks, wire baskets, and complex fabricated assemblies. This article explains the differences between MIG and TIG welding, when each method is most effective, and how Salco applies these processes to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Why Stainless Steel Welding Requires Specialized Knowledge
Stainless steel behaves differently than carbon steel during welding. It retains heat longer, is more sensitive to contamination, and requires precise control to prevent warping, discoloration, or corrosion at the weld joint. Improper welding techniques can compromise the corrosion resistance that makes stainless steel so valuable in the first place.
Because of these factors, stainless steel welding demands experienced operators, proper shielding gases, controlled heat input, and a deep understanding of material thickness, joint design, and end-use conditions. Salco’s in-house welding team works closely with our engineering and fabrication departments to ensure each weld supports both structural integrity and long-term performance.
MIG Welding for Stainless Steel Applications
MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a widely used welding process in industrial manufacturing. MIG welding feeds a continuous wire electrode into the weld pool while shielding gas protects the weld from atmospheric contamination. This process allows for fast, consistent welds and is well suited for higher production volumes.
At Salco, MIG welding is commonly used for stainless steel components with thicker material gauges or larger weld joints. It is an efficient solution for products such as industrial carts, structural frames, and material handling equipment where strength and repeatability are critical.
Our welders carefully adjust voltage, wire feed speed, and gas composition to ensure clean penetration and strong welds without excessive heat input. MIG welding integrates seamlessly with Salco’s broader custom metal fabrication capabilities, allowing welded components to move smoothly from forming and cutting into final assembly.
TIG Welding for Precision Stainless Steel Fabrication
TIG welding, or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), offers a higher level of precision and control than MIG welding. This process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create the arc, with filler material added separately as needed. TIG welding produces smooth, clean welds with minimal spatter, making it ideal for thinner materials and visually critical applications.
Salco uses TIG welding extensively for precision stainless steel products such as bakery racks, medical trays, and wire basket assemblies where accuracy, appearance, and corrosion resistance are essential. TIG welding allows our team to maintain tight tolerances and consistent weld quality across complex geometries.
This level of control is especially important when welding components that will be used in food processing, cleanroom, or pharmaceutical environments. TIG welding supports the hygienic requirements often associated with food grade stainless steel applications by producing smooth welds that are easier to clean and inspect.
Comparing MIG and TIG Welding for Stainless Steel
Both MIG and TIG welding offer distinct advantages, and selecting the right process depends on the application, material thickness, and production requirements.
MIG welding excels in speed and efficiency, making it ideal for heavier components, structural assemblies, and higher-volume production runs. TIG welding provides unmatched precision and is better suited for thin materials, detailed assemblies, and applications where weld appearance and cleanliness are critical.
At Salco, offering both processes allows our team to match the welding method to the project rather than forcing a single approach. This flexibility ensures optimal results whether the project involves heavy-duty industrial carts or intricate wire-formed products.
Integrated Welding Within Salco’s Fabrication Process
Welding at Salco is not a standalone service. It is fully integrated into our design, prototyping, and fabrication workflow. From early-stage engineering through final production, our welding team collaborates closely with other departments to ensure weld joints are designed for strength, efficiency, and manufacturability.
This integrated approach supports projects that also require CNC machining, wire forming, or assembly of custom material handling solutions such as industrial carts and trolleys. By keeping welding in-house, Salco maintains quality control, shortens lead times, and delivers consistent results across every production run.
Industries Served with Stainless Steel Welding
Salco’s MIG and TIG welding expertise supports a wide range of industries, including automotive manufacturing, food processing, medical equipment production, aerospace, and industrial logistics. Each industry presents unique challenges, from corrosion resistance and sanitation to load-bearing strength and dimensional accuracy.
Our experience across these sectors allows us to adapt welding techniques to meet industry-specific requirements while maintaining consistent quality standards.
Partner with Salco for Stainless Steel Welding Solutions
Welding stainless steel requires more than equipment. It requires experience, precision, and a deep understanding of how welded components perform in real-world industrial environments. Salco Engineering & Manufacturing brings decades of stainless steel welding expertise to every project, supported by in-house fabrication, engineering, and quality control.
If you are developing a new product or improving an existing design, our team can help determine the right welding approach to support durability, performance, and efficiency.
Request a quote today to discuss your stainless steel welding needs and learn how Salco can support your next manufacturing project.