Stainless steels are easily welded by all standard welding procedures although
 the response to welding is quite different from carbon steel.
The differences are due to variations in properties as noted below:

Differences in Welding Characteristics of type 304 Stainless Steel as Compared
 to Carbon Steel

  Property          Carbon  Type        Effect
                    Steel   304

Melting Range F      2800    2550-2650  Less heat needed for fusion.

Electrical
Resistance
Microhm-cm @ 68F     12.5    72         More heat generated for same current.
                                          Improves resistance welding.
Heat Conductivity %
 @212 F              100     28         Sharper gradients; Greater warping;
>1200 F              100     66         Slower diffusion of heat through base
                                          metal.
Coefficient of
Expansion per Fx10   6.5     9.8        Greater expansion and contraction
                                          during heating and cooling.

Heat Affected Zone   Hard    Ductile    HAZ can be sensitized to Intergranular
                                          attack.