Welding tests were performed on stainless steel 304L, 316L, and SAF 2205 with virtually no sulphur content of the base material. Three different activating fluxes were tested with single electrode welding and plate thicknesses were 5 to 12mm. Full penetration with the A-TIG method was obtained. Square edge preparation was used without any consumable wire. Not only the penetration but also the nugget area was increased indicating that energy is in some way added with the flux.

It appears that the A-TIG welds actually have as high CPT temperatures as those of the base materials. TIG welding without activating flux on the surface on the other hand, show a marked decrease i.e. some 20° C in CPT values. This is discussed in terms of nitrogen loss from the weld pool surface. Pure argon was used as shielding gas.