Introduction
Low alloy dual phase stainless steel (1Cr21Ni5Ti) has been developed for its excellent mechanical properties in view of its resistance to strong corrosion and oxidation at high temperatures.The main feature of the alloy is that it is composed of ferrite and austenite dual-phase structure. The strength of the material is improved when the solid stability is decreased, thus the selection of substrates and welding technologies must be taken into account for the welding procedure to obtain a good weld joint.
Heat Affected Zone(HAZ)
When dual phase stainless steel 1Cr21Ni5Ti is welded, the steel forms a heat affected zone (HAZ) around the weld spot, which compromises the microstructure of the weld. This can cause the tensile strength of the welded joint to decrease, as grain boundaries are disrupted or eliminated in the HAZ. Also, phases such as martensite or bainite may form within the HAZ, which can lead to premature failure of the joint or corrosion in the welded area. The HAZ in dual phase stainless steel is also affected by the weld parameters, such as the welding current, arc length, and travel speed. In addition, the welded area of dual phase stainless steel is more susceptible to hot cracking when the welding speed is too fast.
Welding procedure
When welding dual phase stainless steel 1Cr21Ni5Ti, the welding parameters and filler metal selection should be considered in order to get the best possible weld joint. When choosing the welding current, it should be in the range suggested by the manufacturer, it should also take into account the particular requirements for the weldment and be adjusted accordingly. The filler metal should be selected according to the EN standard, as the joint strength and corrosion resistance should be taken into account. The arc length should be around 3-5 mm, while travel speed should not be too fast. As for the post-weld heat treatment, it should be avoided, as it reduces the strength of the weld joint.
Conclusion
Dual phase stainless steel 1Cr21Ni5Ti has excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, which makes it an ideal material for many applications. However, it is important to take into account the welding parameters and filler metals when welding this material in order to get a good weld joint and to ensure the best possible performance of the joint.