Book excerpt: When considering the operational performance of stainless steel weldments the most important points to consider are corrosion resistance, weld metal mechanical properties and the integrity ofthe weldedjoint. Mechanical and corrosion resistance properties are greatly influenced by the metallurgical processes that occur during welding or during heat treatment of welded components. This book is aimed, there fore, at providing information on the metallurgical problems that may be encountered during stainless steel welding. In this way we aim to help overcome a certain degree of insecurity that is often encountered in welding shops engaged in the welding of stainless steels and is often the cause of welding problems which may in some instances lead to the premature failure of the welded component. The metallurgical processes that occur during the welding of stainless steel are of a highly intricate nature. The present book focuses in particular on the signif icance of constitution diagrams, on the processes occurring during the solidification of weld metal and on the recrystallization and precipitation phenomena which take place in the area of the welds. There are specific chapters covering the hot cracking resistance during welding and the practical welding of a number of different stainless steel grades. In addition, recommendations are given as to the most suitable procedures to be followed in order to obtain maximum corrosion resistance and mechanical properties from the weldments.