Selection of Metal Electrodes for and Effect of Welding Treatment on Hardness and Microstructure of Some Type of Austenitic Stainless Steels

Austenitic stainless steels have been the focus of considerable research recently because of their high strength, good ductility, excellent corrosion resistance and a reasonable weldability. These properties make austenitic stainless steels attractive candidate materials for use in the fabrication of piping systems, automotive exhaust gas systems and in a variety of equipment associated with the chemical and nuclear power industries. PWHT is a stress relieving process whereby residual stresses are reduced by typically heating to 550–650 °C for a set time depending upon plate thickness. The effect of PWHT on mechanical properties such as hardness, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, impact energy and ductile to brittle transition temperature are of great concern to the pressure vessel industry and pressure vessel codes. This paper reports on the effect of multiple PWHT on hardness and microstructure of austenitic stainless steels. The 6 mm AISI 304L, 316L, and 347 austenitic stainless steels were used for this work. This welds were produced by SMAW and GTAW techniques using a single vee preparation and multiple weld beads, and welded by various types of consumables. Selection of a suitable consumables metals for joining those weldment sample joints are an important criterion in view of the differences in physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the base materials involved.