Mechanical Behaviour of Martensitic Stainless Steel Welded by Non Traditional Processes

As a middle or high-carbon content combined with 12-18% of chromium, ATSI 420 and 440 martensitic stainless steels can exhibit, after a tempering heat treatment, good mechanical properties in sour service, and for wearing and cutting applications. In the case of the welding they are susceptible of cracking both in the fused and heat affected zone. This risk rises with the hardness. In order to limit the contribution to hardness due to the welding cycle both laser and electron beam welding technique were used. Besides interposing an austenitic filler between the edges of joint led to a less content of carbon in the fusion area. The obtained welds underwent mechanical tests with a notable emphasis on fatigue.