Cracking Resistance of Cu-Bearing Age-Hardening Steel

Abstract

In this paper, the weldablity of a low-carbon Cu-bearing age-hardening steel was evaluated using Y-groove cracking evaluation test. The results show that the steel has a low hardenability characteristic and cold-cracking susceptibility. It is also indicated that a crack-free weldment can be obtained during welding of this type of steel even at an ambient temperature as low as -5°C as well as in an absolute humidity lower than 4000Pa without any preheat treatment. A slight preheat treatment can prevent the joint from cracking when welding is carried out at lower ambient temperature or in higher absolute humidity.