SMAW 304 stainless steel
SMAW 304 stainless steel
(OP)
I have been having some trouble SMAW (Stick) welding s-8 (304) to s-8 base material with 308L-16 filler metal in the vertical up position. I have had several of my certified welders fail at running an x-ray quality weld on this welding qualification test. I will appreciate Anyone with any insight on this. the base metal is .505" thick ,filler metal is 1/8 dia. The main problem is laying bead without a high crown,and cleaning all of the slag out. thanks in advance for the insight friendsT





RE: SMAW 304 stainless steel
If you think you have problems welding a groove in the vertical, try welding some fillet welds in the horizontal positions with either the XXX-16 or XXX-17 coated electrodes. Make sure you have a tight fit between the butting and nonbutting members. Let me know what you find.
Best regards - Al
RE: SMAW 304 stainless steel
I would concur with gtaw on the above and based on the reference below from one of my welding reference materials..
Lime...coatings, also known as lime fluorspar or basic, are generally associated with the suffix -15 designation. They give the cleanest weld metal, which is usually the lowest oxygen and inclusions and are more resistant to moisture and porosity. The weld metal tends to be tougher, more ductile, more crack resistant and have higher corrosion resistance. They also have good all-position characteristics and are often chosen for site work. They are normally usable only with direct current and should be the choice of the most demanding applications...
RE: SMAW 304 stainless steel
RE: SMAW 304 stainless steel
Best regards - Al
RE: SMAW 304 stainless steel
RE: SMAW 304 stainless steel
Because SS has a low thermal conductivity, the puddle may stay hot longer. This leads to an increase in convexity of the bead.
Using lower amperage, short arc lengths, and low interpass temps have seemed to help me. Bead placement is also very important. Placing all the "humps" in the right place can prevent non-fusion issues.
You could also let them try a smaller diameter.
As already mention, slight manipulation with less time in the center of the bead will allow the base metal to absorb the heat in the bead better and cool it faster. This will reduce sagging.
Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi
http://www.weldingdata.com