A Study on Mechanical Properties of Austenitic Stainless Steel Welds Using ArcTig Welding

Abstract

With recent increase in the demand for stainless steels, the necessity of improving stainlesssteel welding output is likewise increasing. Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), which can obtain clean welds, is conventionally used for stainlesssteel welding. With GTAW, however, it is difficult to meet the rising demand owing to low productivity. Alternatively, ArcTig is a welding process with increased energy density through direct electrode cooling. It is thus possible to achieve highproductivity keyhole welding, which can effectively replace GTAW. However, the mechanical properties of ArcTig welds have not been properly discussed hitherto. Accordingly, these were adequately discussed in this study. Tensile, bending, hardness, and impact tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of welds, with macro and micro structures also being analyzed. The test results showed that there were no internal defects in the welds, and mechanical properties were satisfied.