Optimization of Process Parameters of Austenitic Stainless Steel 304L with Low Carbon Steel A-36 by using Plasma Arc Welding (PAW

Abstract

Dissimilar metal welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel is highly in demand in pressure vessels, boilers, heat exchangers of power generation industry including Nuclear power Plants and Oil refinery plants. Several joint connections exist between nozzles, pipes, exchangers, supports etc where higher quality of dissimilar weld is essential owing to the criticality of plant and to avoid any accident due to failure of joint. The Plasma Arc Welding Process (PAW) is one of the latest methods considered for welding dissimilar metals. PAW technique is used for welding of very fine thicknesses of precious metals such as Stainless Steel, Inconel, alloys of Silver and Gold etc. This process is highly appreciated for electronic components industries, small containers as well as medical industries. PAW is also contributing in boiler making and sheet metal work. Hence it has become a market leader in chemical and mechanical engineering industries. The main objective of the present work is to optimize the process parameters of PAW for welding between SS304L and A-36. The present work investigates the effect of current, speed on the quality and morphology of the weld joint. The quality characteristics like bead geometry, microstructure, grain size, micro hardness, ferrite measurement, bend test, tensile test are considered for qualification of the welded samples. The experimental sequence is divided into three sections. Firstly the effect of welding current and speed is considered by using filler wire E-309L. In second set again the effect of welding current and speed is considered but without using filler wire. Results reveal the ideal parameters for welding austenitic stainless steel with low carbon steel