Analysis of Dissimilar Welding Joint between Inconel 718 and AISI 316L by GTAW Multipass Process

Abstract

AISI 316L steel and Inconel 718 are metals of wide application in industries. The study of dissimilar welding between these two materials is technologically important to improve their joint performance. We focused this study on the evaluation of the dissimilar weldability of these materials. Three samples of AISI 316L and Inconel 718 welded using a multipass GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) process with different parameters were analyzed. The microstructural characterization, measurements of the volumetric fraction of the δ ferrite and Laves phase, the spacing between austenite dendrites, in addition to measurement and analysis of dimensions of the welding zones and the microhardness were performed. The measurement of the weld metal dimensions and the dendrite spacing showed that higher heat inputs increased the dilution zones and the spacing between austenite dendrites. The volumetric fraction of the δ ferrite decreased with the increase of heat input, while the Laves phase fraction increased. The microhardness presented significant variation in the weld pool due to changes in the phases and composition, as evidenced by EDS analysis in the dissimilar joints.