Effect of Nickel on the Microstructure, Hardness and Impact Toughness of SM570-TMC Weld Metals

Abstract

SM570-TMC steel was applied in the various fields of steel construction where higher strength is required than conventional mild steel. This steel is commonly fabricated by fusion welding where flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) is preferred due to efficiency consideration. In this study, 14 mm thickness of SM570-TMC steel was butt weld by FCAW using three electrode wires with different nickel content (0% Ni, 1% Ni, 1.5% Ni). The microstructure of weldments was studied using an optical microscope. The hardness distribution tests were performed in the heat affected zone, parent metal and weld metal. And impact toughness of weld metals were measured at temperatures of 25 °C, 0 °C and -20 °C. The results show the steel plate welded using welding wire containing 1% Ni provides more superior impact toughness in the weld metal than welding wire 0% Ni, while the impact toughness of the sample which welded using welding wire containing 1.5% tend to decrease. Nickel element which deposited to weld metal by using welding wires containing 1% Ni has improved the impact toughness, but 1.5% Ni may too high which deteriorate impact toughness.