Abstract
The autogenous manual gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process was used for cladding austenitic stainless steel 316L using a single pass with various contact tip-to-work distances (CTWDs). Immersion and electrochemical tests were used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the welded specimens, and a microstructural analysis was conducted to investigate the chemical composition of the molten pool and the heat-affected zone of welding. The key findings of this study indicate that the corrosion resistance improved under a CTWD of 5 mm due to the optimal distribution of ferrite and a refined microstructure. Additionally, the highest hardness was observed in specimens with a CTWD of 3 mm, attributed to the increased ferrite content in the weld metal. As the CTWD increased, the ferrite fraction decreased, and the hardness also diminished. However, in the CTWD 7 mm case, the higher heat input influenced the microstructure and molten pool shape significantly through the Marangoni effect, resulting in a lower corrosion resistance. These results suggest that optimizing the CTWD can enhance the corrosion resistance of welded 316L stainless steel.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
