Influence of parameters on the microstructure of a duplex stainless steel joint welded by a GMAW welding process

Duplex stainless steels (DSSs) are widely used in industry for their desirable properties. Any fusion welding technique modifies the microstructure and, consequently, the properties of the material. This paper presents a parametric study of the variables that determine the energy contribution (current, voltage and welding speed) and the structural modifications produced during gas metal arc welding. The analysis comprises metallographic study, phase balance, dimensioning of the weld beads and tensile and hardness tests. The influence of the variables studied on the thermal cycles obtained (temperatures reached and cooling rate) was determined by using a finite element model. The results showed that, in addition to the indicated parameters, the parameter power transfer per volume (W/m3) and the geometry in the bead must be controlled due to their influence on the heat flow distribution and phase balance.