Weldability of Low-Carbon ASTM A356 CA6NM Martensitic Stainless Steel Casting for Power Plants

Weldability, especially HAZ cold cracking, weld metal solidification cracking, and HAZ liquation cracking susceptibilities, of ASTM A356 CA6NM martensitic stainless steel casting was investigated and compared with that of 9-12% Cr ferritic steel castings. Irrespective of the Cr and Ni content in the castings, the HAZ maximum hardness increased with an increase of carbon content. CA6NM steel, which has the lowest carbon content, had the lowest HAZ hardness and showed no cold cracking in y-slit cracking tests. CA6NM steel, meanwhile, showed the largest weld metal solidification cracking susceptibility in varestraint tests because of its higher amount of impurity elements, phosphorus, and sulfur. All castings investigated had good high temperature ductility in hot ductility tests and showed little difference in liquation cracking susceptibility. (Received June 30, 2010)