When welding stainless steel it comes to oxidation, which can be seen in discoloration – some also say tarnishing – which need to be removed again. Oxidation makes it easy for corrosion to attack the metal surface. By removing the tarnish, the oxidation layer is removed and the corrosion protection is restored. A classic technique for cleaning weld seams is the use of pickling paste, which also ensures that the protective oxide layer is restored. The problem with pickling pastes is that they leave unattractive pickling sediments and, moreover, are usually highly toxic. Special precautions must be taken for their use and disposal. Abrasive tools in the form of brushes and sponges leave unsightly scratch marks on sensitive stainless steel surfaces.

ABICLEANER devices for weld seam cleaning