Sanitary Tube Welding (Sanitary Pipe Welder) Malaysia
Updated: Oct 9
Sanitary tube welding in Malaysia is mostly done with TIG, and orbital welding for jobs with higher requirements. This article will talk about the most commonly used types of welding for sanitary valves, tubes and fittings in Malaysia, and also what to look for when looking for a sanitary pipe welder.
TIG vs MIG vs Orbital Welding for Sanitary Tube
The most popular welding method in the food world is arc welding, which consists of MIG (metal inert gas) and TIG (tungsten inert gas). MIG, where the welding rod is often automatically fed is sometimes used, but mostly only on structural parts, skid frames for example. TIG is a form of arc welding where the filler metal is manually hand fed by the welder.
TIG is by far the most common type of welding we see in the food and beverage industry, especially for thinner materials. Because it is a manual process, it requires a higher amount of skill, and has slower welding speeds compared to MIG.
TIG can be automated by using an orbital welding machine. It is a process where the arc is rotated mechanically around the joint. Because it is done almost entirely by machine, the welds are consistent and high quality. The only drawback is the high investment cost of buying the machine. Orbital welding is usually seen in the pharmaceutical industry.
Argon Purging and Why It Matters for 316L and 304
When welding sanitary stainless steel tube or pipe, the joint is exposed to oxygen, which causes the weld to oxidize and turn dark and rough. This makes the joint more likely to trap product and bacteria, and harder to clean. The chromium protective layer can also be damaged, compromising its corrosion resistance.
Experienced welders avoid this by pushing out oxygen with argon gas, called argon purging. This process is required for both 304 and 316L stainless steel.
How To Choose a Sanitary Pipe Welder
Choosing the right welder matters as much as choosing the right tube. Look for a welder with proven experience in food grade or sanitary projects. Ask if they do argon purging on every weld, and how do they clean or polish the joints after the weld.
Skilled and experienced welders usually have technical certificates and are comfortable demonstrating a weld. But if you have trouble finding such welders, contact us. While we do not have the manpower or expertise for the actual welding. and we can recommend some of our capable customers for any of your projects.
We supply Food Grade Stainless Steel Valves, Tubes, and Fittings. Our materials conform to sanitary standards such as ASTM A270, EN10357, or 3A.
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