Optimised post-weld heat treatment procedures and heat input for welding 17–4PH stainless steel

Abstract

Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) procedures and heat input during welding of 17–4PH stainless steel, using matching chemistry consumables, have been optimised in relation to its microstructural condition before welding based on room temperature tensile properties. The 17–4PH stainless steel was welded in two different prior microstructural conditions, namely, condition A (solution treated) and condition H1150 (overaged), using three different heat inputs of 0·27, 0·48, and 0·72 kJ mm^-1, and post-weld heat treated to condition H900 (aged) or condition H1150 (over aged), using different heat treatment procedures. Room temperature tensile tests were carried out to study the combined effects of prior microstructural condition, heat input during welding, and PWHT procedures.