Unique Welding Alloys provides an Integrated Gas and Welding solution to the stainless steel fabrication industry.

Unique Welding Alloys (UWA), through its national branch network, comprehensive product range, global partnerships and 40 years of expertise is uniquely able to assist fabricators to reduce welding costs, improve productivity and reduce weld safety risks. 

TAG piping systems

UWA partnered with TAG, the UK based manufacturer of pipe purging equipment, pipework fabrication machinery, tools and handling equipment. Purging equipment and its use has a major impact on preventing oxidation and improving final weld quality. TAG supply a comprehensive range of systems to create the correct welding environment, whatever the application. 

MIG/TIG welding machines

Unique Welding introduced a range of Mig and Tig machines that quickly became the mid-range workhorses in the industry. Their high reliability comes with a two year guarantee that can be upgraded to a three year guarantee. The machines are fitted with gas selection charts 
that enables the welder to quickly and accurately select the right shielding gas for the common welding applications.

In addition, Unique Welding part- nered with ESAB, the global leader, to offer high end Mig/Tig machines such as the Mig 4002c, 5002c, and 6502c that are sturdy and robust switching converter power sources intended for heavy duty applications. The power source integrates with 
ESAB’s industry-leading WeldCloud online data management platform via Wi-Fi, mobile cellular or hard-wired Ethernet communication with Weld-Cloud Mobile together with Aristo W82. This technology significantly reduces weld errors and cost rework.

Quality welding consumables

Besides an experienced welder, quality welding requires quality equipment, gas and consumables. The Thermamax AWS type 308L and 316L welding consumables with a controlled weld metal ferrite content are designed to produce first class welds with reliable CVN impact toughness and lateral expansion at cryogenic temperatures. Despite the lower ferrite content, hot cracking resistance is good, also in the case of thick-walled constructions. 

High Performance shielding gases

Unique Welding Alloys, with its 14 national branches, is Air Products largest independent distribution channel and best positioned to serve the stainless steel fabrication market. The addition of helium or hydrogen to argon for austenitic stainless steels production and the speeds have been known to reach up to 30% more over argon. The high thermal conductivity of hydrogen, a reducing gas, enhances the cleaning effect. Helium is the preferred gas enhancer for ferritic stainless steels. Carbon dioxide is added to the welding process as it is slightly oxidizing, providing increased heat in the arc through disassociation. The available heat increases penetration, adding 
width to the weld, improving side 
wall fusion. 

Whilst technical performance is important, the gas supply solution is equally important. Unique Welding Alloys is able to supply the gases 
from small to large application thus being able to grow the supply arrangement as the customer grows. Supply ranges from single cylinder 
supply to manifold packs, to mini bulk (CryoEase) and finally bulk installations. 

Health risks associated with welding stainless steel

Protecting welders from cancerous welding fumes

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is one of the valence states (+6) of the element chromium. Cr(VI) is known to cause cancer. A major source of worker exposure to Cr(VI) occurs during “hot work” such as welding on stainless steel and other alloy steels containing chromium metal In addition, it targets the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, skin and eyes.. Stainless Steel fabricators may face future worker health claims and hence the need to protect workers with PAPR type personal protection welding helmets. The Thermamax TruFlo PAPR is widely accepted in the quality welding industry due to its European design and extended warranty.

Environmentally friendly and safer pickling and passivating paste

Thermamax BlueOneTM, Unique Welding’s new range of Swedish manufactured pickling and passivating pastes for stainless steel application has been very successful. The patented Thermamax pickling paste contains an organic binding agent that reduces acid fumes by up to 80%. Nitric and hydrofluoric acids, normal components of pickling pastes are extremely hazardous especially in gaseous form and hence the reduced fume emission of the Thermamax Avesta products will significantly improve worker health and safety. Thermamax  BlueOne™ Pickling Paste 130 restores damaged stainless steel surfaces such as weld seams, by removing weld oxides, the underlying chromium-depleted layer and other defects that may cause local corrosion. The improved pickling result, offers a brighter surface with less discolouration than classic products. 

The Thermamax Avesta FinishOne Passivator 630 is a unique acid-free hydrogen peroxide based chemical. It restores the passivation layer on damaged stainless steel surfaces. It improves the result after pickling by speeding up the passivation Process whilst diminishing the risk of discoloured surfaces caused by flash clouds or free iron (smut) when used wet-on-wet. It reduces the formation of toxic nitric fumes during rinsing after Pickling and prevents water staining caused by poor rinse water. Handling is much easier as the product is classified as non-dangerous and creates no hazardous waste. These truly Unique products distinguishes the Thermamax products in the stainless steel fabrication process. 

Unique welding alloys is pleased to support local manufacturers of stainless steel welding consumables. 

Wire Products Stainless Steel Productions (Pty) ltd (WPSSP), situated in Wadeville, Germiston is a Level 2 B-BBEE, local producer of stainless steel, welding wire, general wire and round bar. It has developed a comprehensive range of top quality stainless steel welding wires using european raw materials for the local markets. WPSSP is in partnership with the european Novametal Group and thus able to leverage its international experience, support and knowledge to benefit the local market. 

Products produced locally include:

Welding wire: European Raw Material with high quality finishes from locally drawn, tested according to ASME II, Part C, SCH I +J Class S3.

Round bars:  from 4mm to 30mm – Raw material imported. In addition to our locally manufactured products we also stock and distribute stainless steel bar, general wire and large diameter round bar (up to 400mm DIA). 

Mechanical wire: focusing on the 300 series austenitic grades.  400 Series is also available for ferritic grades and general purpose. 

WPSSP, an ISO 9001:2015 approved manufacturer, focuses on quality in every aspect of the commercial process from sales to production to documentation. This has led to the development of long term business relationships across a wide spectrum of products and industries. 

Wire Products Stainless Steel Production is geared to offer you quality service and products with competitive pricing and lead times.