Effect of the FCAW Welding Process and Post Weld Heat Treatment on the Properties and Microstructure of the Weld Joints of Heat Treated 4330V Steel

Abstract

4330V is a high strength, high toughness, heat treatable low alloy steel for application in the oil, gas and aerospace industries. It is typically used for large diameter drilling parts where high toughness and strength are required. The research describes the effect of preheat temperature, interpass temperature, heat input, and post weld heat treatment on strength, hardness, toughness, and changes to microstructure in the weld joint. Welding with the lower heat input and no post weld heat treatment resulted in optimal mechanical properties in the weld metal. Austempering at 400 °C resulted in optimal mechanical properties in the HAZ. Increasing preheat and interpass temperature from 340 °C to 420 °C did not improve Charpy V-notch values or ultimate tensile strength in the weld metal or heat affected zones. The higher temperature increased the width of the heat affected zone. Austempering at 400 °C reduced HAZ hardness to a level comparable to the base metal. Both tempering and austempering at 400 °C for 10 hours reduced toughness in the weld metal.