Dissimilar TIG Welding of HSLA to Austenitic High-Mn TRIP Steels

Abstract The microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar butt-joints of high-strength low-alloy steel to austenitic high Mn TRIP steels produced by manual TIG welding with AISI 309L filler metal were investigated. The heat input was varied by changing the welding current between 40 and 70 A. A fully austenitic microstructure with nearly equiaxed grains and without any iron/manganese carbide is observed in the high Mn TRIP base metal, whereas polygonal ferrite and pearlite colonies oriented along the rolling direction are found in the high-strength low-alloy steel base metal. Coarse and refined heat-affected zones (HAZ) were observed in the high-strength low-alloy steel, whereas no significant HAZ was detected at the TRIP side. Bainite and/or martensite grew in the coarse HAZ of the high-strength low-alloy steel steel joined with highest current. The weld seam was formed by austenitic dendrites with interdendritic ferrite and martensite. The best welding condition was achieved with an intermediate current of 50 A, where the hardness transition was smooth, fracture occurred in the HSLA base metal and the joint ductility was higher.