Fusion Zone Microstructures of Laser and Plasma Welded Dissimilar Steel Joints

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dissimilar steel joints between 13CrMo44 low-alloyed ferritic steel and A1SI 347 austenitic stainless steel were produced using laser beam and plasma arC welding. Both autogenous welding (without Filler) and welding with nickel-based filler wire were employed in each process. Fusion zone microstructures were characterized using both optical and scanning electron microscopy. Compositional analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Hardness was measured to provide data for identifying the microstructures. A clear correlation was observed between the composition, microstructure and hardness. The results show that both autogenous laser and plasma welding produce fusion zones with a mixed martensite/austenite microstructure. Autogenous plasma welds, however, possess less martensite than the laser welds. The formation of martensite was attributed to the material combination and the rapid cooling rate of the welding processes. The results also indicate that both laser and plasma welding with nickel-based filler wire can produce fully austenitic fusion zones. This is mainly due to the high nickel content in the filler wire. According to the results, laser and plasma welding with nickel-based filler wire are recommended as potential industrial processes.