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 Weld decay in austenitic stainless steels

META
Gooch, T.G.; Willingham, D.C.
Welding Inst., Cambridge (UK)
Abstract

[en] The risk of weld decay in unstabilised 18/10 type austenitic stainless
steels is determined by three main factors, i.e. the carbon content of the steel,
the welding procedure and conditions employed, and the service environment.
Under moderately or marginally oxidising conditions susceptibility to weld
decay will not occur in materials of 0.06% C maximum with total heat inputs
during welding of up to 3.2 kJ/mm, and an interpass temperature close to
room temperature. Some sensitisation may occur at higher heat inputs or
interpass temperatures, but a method has been developed for the design of
welding procedures to minimise this sensitisation. Even if sensitisation does
occur at high heat inputs, significant HAZ intergranular corrosion will occur
only in aggressive media causing severe general attack, although in-plant
corrosion testing must be recommended to confirm this in any given instance.
The limiting welding conditions given can be used safely for ferrite-containing
weld metals and castings. The conditions will generally be applicable for fully
austenitic castings and weld deposits, but some caution is necessary. The
relationship derived between welding conditions and associated sensitisation
is based on moderately oxidising media, as are most commonly encountered
in practice. It will be conservative and therefore safe for marginally oxidising
situations. The approach is not, however, directly applicable to highly oxidising
environments; it is not possible to make precise recommendations at present
for service under such conditions, but reduction in material carbon content and
heat input during welding will normally be advisable. (author)
Source

1975; 16 p; Welding Institute; Cambridge

Publication Year

1975

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