Is it possible to Arc weld Stainless Steel to Mild Steel?
Yes, Austenitic Stainless Steel is currently welded to Mild Steel, with certain precautions. First, the Stainless should be of a composition not susceptible to sensitization otherwise its corrosion resistance properties will result impaired by welding. (See on this problem the article in the Welding Advisers Site, Click on Welding Stainless Steels .) Second, especially if the mild steel element is thick, it is customary to weld on top of it a layer of stainless (Type 309 or type 312) or of high nickel filler metal: this procedure is called buttering. The final welding thus occurs between two stainless surfaces. Top Brazing Carbon Steel to Stainless [From PWL#069, Section 7].
