We frequently receive questions regarding the preheating, welding, and post-weld heat treatment of ASTM A514 and other quenched and tempered steels. If you’re working with these materials, the following guidelines will be extremely helpful for welding this steel and avoid cracking or other problems. Metallurgy, Uses, and Welding Challenges of ASTM A514 ASTM A514, often […]
Austenitic stainless steels, renowned for their corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, are a staple in numerous industries. However, welding these materials often presents a significant challenge: distortion and warpage. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to dimensional inaccuracies, compromised functionality, and costly rework. So, why are austenitic stainless steels so prone to […]
Welding engineers know how crucial the right filler metal is, especially when joining dissimilar metals. It’s not just about welding two pieces together and getting them to hold; it’s about creating a welded connection that can withstand the intended service conditions. In the case of stainless steel and other nickel alloys we also want corrosion […]
AWS D1.6 is the Structural Welding Code for Stainless Steel. Its primary concern is with the structural integrity of weldments and not with resistance to corrosion, creep or sensitization. As a matter of fact, the word “corrosion” appears only eight times in the 9 clauses of AWS D1.6. Requirements for these concerns are the responsibility […]
In our previous post, we introduced the basics of weldng austenitic stainless steels (304, 304L, 316, and 316L). Now, let’s dive deeper into the metallurgy of these alloys. Understanding their composition and grain structure is crucial for achieving sound, high-quality welds. This knowledge empowers welding professionals to make informed decisions about welding processes, filler metals, […]
Austenitic stainless steels are a cornerstone of many industries because of their exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, and aesthetic appeal. The most commonly used austenitic stainless steels are grades 304, 304L, 316, and 316L. This article, the first in a series, will provide an essential overview of these materials, highlighting their unique characteristics and why proper […]
Metallurgy should matter to all of those involved in welding. Welding is a fascinating process. We take two pieces of metal, heat them up, and fuse them together, creating a single, solid piece. But what’s really happening to the base metal when we weld it with an electric arc, such as that used in GMAW […]
Weld design is a critical aspect of any structural or mechanical project, encompassing the selection of appropriate weld joints, sizing, filler metals, and ensuring both safety and cost-effectiveness. However, before we delve into the specifics of weld design, we must first understand its predecessor: element design. What is Element Design? Element design is the initial […]
We all know welding fumes are bad for your health. Companies that do a lot of welding are paying special attention to this matter and trying to create better working environments not just for welders but for everyone in the shop. Has your company taken any steps to reduce or control fume generation? In this […]
Selecting the filler metal should not be a trivial matter. The easy way out is to select a filler metal that has matching strength, meaning that the minimum specified tensile strength of the filler metal matches that of the base metal. However, this is not always the best option. In some cases it may be beneficial to use undermatching filler metals. There are many factors to consider when selecting the right filler metal. Understanding requirements in the areas of strength, ductility, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, in-service demands, cost and productivity is essential.
