Mechanical properties for circumferential welding applied to UNS S32750 Super Duplex Stainless Steel using the GMAW process with CMT control

Abstract

Super Duplex Stainless Steel has been studied for oil and gas industry applications since the 90 s, but their welding always is a technical issue. Then different methods were developed to meet all requirements presents in ASME standards, where most of are applied for lower production, when compared to other materials such carbon steel. This study accomplished circumferential welding experiments in base material (BM)—UNS S32750 Super Duplex Stainless Steel with a thickness of 3.68 mm. Welding was performed using GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process with CMT (Cold Metal Transfer) control and the aid of a Motoman robot and a turntable device, which were used to ensure the accurate positioning of the torch and that the welding has been fully implemented in the 1 G position, respectively. This process achieves higher production in relation other welding process usually applied for this material class. The joints which presented adequate dimensional results were, then, subjected to tensile and hardness Vickers tests. To avoid the lack of penetration problem, the welding was performed using the CMT process combined with pulsed arc, thus, resulting in full penetration and improved surface finish. The results have shown that the CMT procedure, combined with pulsed arc, led to an adequate superficial finishing, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in accomplishment with the requirements presented in applicable standards.