Stainless steels are readily welded by all standard welding procedures. 
 Inert gas welding is the preferred process. Coated electrodes are some-
 times used but flux removal is difficult and could cause corrosion 
 problems. Although the response to welding for stainless steel may be 
 different from carbon steel, the differences are due to variations in 
 properties as noted below:


                Comparison of Welding Characteristics

                    Carbon  Stainless        
   Property         Steel     304            Differences
   ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ         ÄÄÄÄÄÄ  ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ         ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ
Melting Range C      1538   1400-1455  Less heat needed for fusion

Electrical
Resistance
Microhm-cm @ 20C     12.5    72       More heat generated for same current
                                       Improves resistance welding
Heat Conductivity %
  100C               100     28       Sharper gradients - Greater warping
 >650C               100     66        Slower diffusion of heat through 
                                       base metal
Coefficient of
Expansion x 10^6     6.5     9.8      Greater expansion and contraction
                                       during heating and cooling

Heat-Affected Zone   Hard  Ductile    HAZ can be sensitized to 
                                       intergranular attack

For more information see NiDI Publication 11 007 - "Guidelines for the
 Welded Fabrication of Nickel Containing Stainless Steels for 
 Corrosion Resistant Services".