Structure and mechanical properties of laser-MIG hybrid welded SAF 2507 super duplex stainless steel joints

Abstract

Joining of super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) is still a challenge, in particular, the need to control the phase balance in the weld metal. In this paper, laser-MIG hybrid welding process was used to join SAF 2507 SDSS plates. The effects of welding parameters on weld appearance, microstructure and phase distribution and mechanical properties were studied systematically. Results showed that the arc/laser hybrid effect was more significant when the arc led the laser with 2 mm distance. It was indicated that arc current mainly affected the weld width while laser power mainly affected weld penetration depth. The composition and microstructure varied a lot at different positions in the weld due to the differences in peak temperature and cooling rate. From top to root, the content of ferrite phase increased and austenite phase decreased. With optimized welding parameters, due to the increase of heat input and the introduction of welding wire, the ferrite/austenite phase balance in the weld metal was obtained. Mechanical property tests showed that the joints exhibited higher tensile strength but lower toughness compared to base metal.