Effect of welding methods for different carbon content of ss304 and ss304l materials on the mechanical properties and microstructure

Abstract

Austenitic stainless steel types of SS304 and SS304L are most widely used in the industrial manufacturing because it has excellent weldability and corrosion resistance. It is undeniable that welding is one of the common steps in the manufacturing process and repairing damaged equipment. In this study, three different welding methods including TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), and MIG (Metal Inert Gas) are described to compare mechanical properties and morphological analysis. The characterizations were conducted by tensile test, XRD, and Metallography. The results of this study indicate that MIG causes higher tensile strength compared to TIG and SMAW, the highest tensile stress value occurs in SS304 material with MIG welding of 679.64 MPa, while the lowest tensile stress value in SS304L material with SMAW welding of 604.89 MPa. Based on microstructure analysis, Both materials present austenite, ferrite, and Cr carbide phases.