BEHAVIOR OF IMPACT STRENGTH OF WELD BEAD OF STAINLESS STEEL AT LOW TEMPERATURE

Abstract

This paper aims to study the impact properties of a stainless steel welding joints, in which the joints will be heated through a heat treatment process. The materials used for this study are stainless steel grade AISI 304 and AISI 306. The welding method was shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) using electrode rods 304LR-16 and E309L-17. The heat treatment process was an annealing at 950 degree Celsius for an hour and let the part to cool in the furnace. The ASTM E23 inspection standard was performed to study the impact properties of the test pieces at 0 and -76 degree Celsius. The study showed that annealing of the welding joint can increase ductility of a joint on both types of stainless steel, with higher values at 0 degree Celsius. The relieved stress of a welding joint during heat treatment can increase ductility of the joint.