Influence of activating flux and surface oxidation on micro structure and mechanical properties of TIG welded stainless steel weldments

The present study deals with the effect of activating flux and surface oxidation on micro structure, micro hardness and tensile strength of Tungsten Inert Gas welded 304 austenitic stainless steel plates. The thickness of the plate of 6.5 mm is considered for the investigation. The Tungsten Inert Gas welding is performed with 2.4mm diameter conical electrode tip profile with the surface condition of the plate as natural, oxidized and coated with an activating flux. Results have shown that the microstructure and mechanical properties are greatly influenced by activating flux and surface condition of plate. A-TIG welded plates give highest tensile strength when compared to TIG welded plates. Vickers micro hardness value is maximum nearer to the weld center on the cross section of the A-TIG butt weld joint. © 2013 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved.