Development of dissimilar GTA 4130/201 SS weld joint and investigation on the effect of filler metals in order to obtain improved mechanical properties and microstructural features

In this research, gas tungsten arc welding of dissimilar joint between 4130 low alloy steel and AISI 201 austenitic stainless steel was investigated. Four filler metals i. e. ERNiCr-3, ER 309L, ER 308L and ER 80SB2 were used. After welding, microstructural features of various areas and also fracture surfaces were examined using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Tensile test was conducted in order to study the mechanical properties of each joint. It was found that ERNiCr-3 is fractured from fusion zone and the others were fractured from 4130 base metal. Also, some second phase particles such as NbC were seen in the ERNiCr-3 weld joint. SEM observation showed that the fracture behavior of ERNiCr-3 weld joint is semi brittle and the others are ductile. The fusion zone of ERNiCr-3 weld joint was fully austenitic and consisted of equiaxed grains and no crack was seen in this area. The fusion zone of ER 308L and ER 309L were composed from cellular dendrite and finally ER 80S-B2 weld joint was consisted of lath martensite.