Stainless steel welding is __________ to oxygen than carbon steel welding.

In stainless steel welding, the material’s composition, particularly the presence of chromium and nickel, makes it more sensitive to oxidation compared to carbon steel. Stainless steels form a thin oxide layer that provides corrosion resistance but can be compromised by excessive heat or exposure to oxygen during the welding process, leading to oxidation and defects such as porosity or a loss of corrosion resistance.

On the other hand, carbon steels are less susceptible to oxygen during welding, as they do not form a protective layer like stainless steels do. This difference in behavior when exposed to oxygen is critical for weld quality and overall performance of the finished product.

This understanding is vital for welders and engineers to ensure proper shielding gases and techniques are used during the welding of stainless steel, ensuring that the environmental conditions are controlled to minimize oxidation effects.