316 SS weld and the color of it help?

admin

I have been newly registered here. I have a question about a weld of mine and the color of the weld after it has been applied.I am hoping that the image I am talking about is being properly displayed here. I am sorry if it is not. Similarly, I am sorry if this is not the correct area to do so. Many pardons if it is and please move this if it need to be moved. Thanks.My question is about the color of the weld after it has been applied. I would also  appreciate any other response about the weld itself if possible. I recently did a tig 316 stainless weld without filler ( i forgot the correct name of a non-filler weld and I am sorry about this). I am using a simple inverter type welder which has no peddal to  assist in heat. It is a set-it and forget it kind've machine. I am mostly interested in the color of the weld as in the picture and if this is appropriate?? The depth of the weld is not a huge concern. Link to PIC of weld as listed below:http://www.msnusers.com/OsRCPICS/sho...oto&PhotoID=42As-far-as TIG welding is concerned,, is the blueing in the weld a good thing? I am thankful if anyone has a response about this. Sorry about the long post.
Reply:I would've liked to post the pic directly on here so you all can see but I have not figured out how to do this. Sorry bout that
Reply:Should be kind of rianbowish.......... there are a lot od good stainless pics posted trying searching around a bit._________________Chris
Reply:If you want to get it back to a bright steel finish you should put some pickling paste to the weld and HAZ.  The pickling paste may also passivate the weld if the temperature is appropriate.  I do a lot of stainless for foodies and everyone wants sanitary welds that have exceptional fit/finish characteristics and won't allow for the harborage of microorganisms.  Here is a quick and free educational primer on surface finishing of stainless steels... http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1142 I'm actually playing around using a variable DC powersource and various concentrations of citric acid solutions to electropolish stainless in a big plastic tub. I hope that you find this information helpful.