Estudio de la soldabilidad del acero inoxidable austenítico AISI 304 mediante el proceso de soldadura GMAW (Gas metal arc Welding).

Abstract

The present work presents the study of the AISI 304 austenitic stainless-steel weldability from the metallurgical point of view, related to the changes in the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the material. Due to the varied chemical composition of austenitic stainless steels, special considerations are required during welding. In the experimental part of the work, samples of different thicknesses were prepared to be welded with GMAW process using short circuit and spray transfers. The experimental tests were done to obtain the best parameters to determine its weldability and obtain a high-quality cord. The evaluation of these specimens was made by metallographic analysis, tensile tests, hardness and bending of face and root, as well as non-destructive tests such as penetrating inks and radiography to perform a quality control in order to find discontinuities, guarantee the weld bead and present a reliable welding process. Finally, with the results obtained it is possible to determine the good weldability of the AISI 304 stainless steel with the GMAW process, therefore, when using the spray transfer, all types of thickness are welded. Instead, using the short-circuit transfer it is concluded that only thin thicknesses are able to be weld.