Weld undercut on 304 stainless steel bar
Weld undercut on 304 stainless steel bar
(OP)
We have been experiencing undercut problems while fillet welding .625" diameter SA-479, type 304 stainless steel bar. We buy from several suppliers and it is only happens with bar from one of them. All bar is received with Certified Material Test Reports. What could be the cause of the undercut?





RE: Weld undercut on 304 stainless steel bar
The APIGUY....
RE: Weld undercut on 304 stainless steel bar
Thanks for the response. Your idea of improper technique was my first thought also. I don't think it is valid since the same five welders have been welding thousands of these fittings every year and these two heats of material are the only ones that exhibit the undercut.
grayseal
RE: Weld undercut on 304 stainless steel bar
The APIGUY....
RE: Weld undercut on 304 stainless steel bar
Just got results of the chemical analysis. High carbon (.11), low chromium (17.01), and high sulfer (.285). I'm assuming the sulfer caused the undercut.
My question now is, who checks the steel mills. This particular heat of material came from Saudi Arabia.
grayseal
RE: Weld undercut on 304 stainless steel bar
Since then I request PMI on all alloy materials brought on to my site.
We've all heard the old phrase "one man's trash is another's treasure" I can't help but think that phrase was coined from the materials supply industry.
This is only my opinion.......
The APIGUY....
RE: Weld undercut on 304 stainless steel bar
That's interesting. Just bought a material analyzer and I may set up a PMI program since our supplier buys globally. What ever happened to getting what you asked for?
grayseal
RE: Weld undercut on 304 stainless steel bar
Too bad purchasing materials has evolved to this but it's a lot like changing a baby's diaper.....You just don't know what your going to get. Might be something easy, might be crap.
The APIGUY....