Characterization of Dissimilar Welding between 304 Stainless Steel and Gray Iron Using Nickel Coated Electrode

This paper presents the study carried out to study the microstructure and mechanical properties of AISI 304 stainless steel and gray iron, in order to recognize the effect of welding parameters on the joint. The shielded metal arc welding technique was applied with a 3.2 mm diameter nickel coated electrode under preheating and post heat conditions at 350°C. Vickers hardness test and metallographic analysis were carried out at the heat affected zone and at the interface to determine the effect on mechanical and metallurgical characteristics. Vickers hardness differences among joint areas were directly related to microstructural changes. There are no significant differences in AISI 304 hardness, but the hardness increased at the heat affected zone and decreased at the filler metal. Grey iron hardness at the heat affected zone was even lower and more slightly superior than grey iron hardness.