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Abstract
This paper reviews the results of investigations on how post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) influences the hardness and microstructures of welded joints in stainless steel X3Cr-NiMo 13-4. It is known that welding leads to high segregation of components in the solidification process, which has an influence on phase transitions in PWHT. The investigated steel has a very narrow PWHT range, about 600–620°C, which provides optimum levels of hardness and toughness. Excessive annealing temperature leads to decreased toughness, which in turn causes exceeding of the Ac1 temperature in the segregation range, which then leads to increased ‘fresh’ martensite content.