Abstract
This article deals with the plasma arc welding properties of 6 mm thick modified X2CrNi12 stainless steel conforming to the grades EN 1.4003 and UNS S 41003 with carbon content below 0.015% to improve the weldability. The butt welds produced without filler metal and with AISI 316L austenitic type of consumable were subjected to tensile and bend tests as well as Charpy impact toughness testing. Examinations including fractography, metallography, chemical analysis of the weld metal, ferrite content, grain size, and hardness analyses were carried out. Sound plasma arc welded joints of modified 12 Cr revealed the microstructure-property relationship, such as high ferrite content (≥ 70%) resulting in ferrite grain coarsening mainly at the high temperature heat-affected zone (HTHAZ) has no adverse effect on tensile or bend properties, but has negative effects on low temperature toughness. Enhanced toughness was provided in case of the low temperature heat affected zone (LTHAZ) with finer grained microstructure. The increase at the weld metal hardness in Weld 2 is related to the austenitic type of filler used.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to acknowledge the help of all colleagues at the Belgian Welding Institute and especially to Ir. Eddy Deleu, without whose technical support, this study could not be completed successfully. In addition, the support of ArcelorMittal Belgium, IWT, SE Industries, University of Ghent, WTCM are very much appreciated and acknowledged. The first author would like to thank Tubitak for the support.
Notes
Values between square brackets are as specified in EN10088.
†Emel Taban is now guest researcher at the Welding Engineering Program of Industrial, Systems, and Welding Engineering Department, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43221, USA.