ASTM A564 Type-16 PH 1

[sbouvia]

I am trying to determine if welding of this material has any special requirements. This material is being used for a 1" diameter support rod for a stair. The rods came too short, therefore the fabricator is requiring a full penetration splice at the center of the rod. I am familiar with the typical 316/316L which 316L allows welding because it has a lower carbon content. So I guess my questions are;

Is this steel ASTM A564 Type-16 PH weldable?
Does it require any special rod to weld it correctly?
Are there any special preparations to welding it in the field?

Any reference documents that you would recommend as well as answers to the above questions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[metengr]

This is age-hardenable stainless steel, which means this material undergoes specifc heat treatment to obtain the necessary strength level for service, unlike austenitic stainless steel. Welding results in heat and will alter the desired mechanical properties.

I would not recommend a full penetration weld repair on this type of component. To restore original mechanical properties after welding would require heat treatment. Also, the weld joints would require RT (x-ray) as a minimum to ensure full penetration.

If an error was made regarding length, reject the rod, and have them supply the correct length.

 

[sbouvia]

Does it matter if they perform this welding in the shop? I mean I think they would have the ability to heat treat it in the shop after the welding process. Thanks for your help.

 

[metengr]

sbouvia;
I sympathize with your predicament. If you decide to go the route of welding XM-16 here is what I would do as a minimum;

1. Prepare a weld coupon that simulates the splice joint.
2. Develop a weld procedure that will be qualified using ASME B&PV Code, Section IX.
3. Filler metal would require a nickel-base alloy (like Inco 82) because there may not be a matching base metal composition.
4. I would consider over-aging the entire bar by solution treatment in accordance with A 564 and obtain Condition A before welding.
4. After welding, heat treatment would be in accordance with ASTM A 564 requirements, solution treatment and age per original specification requirements.
5. Once this operation is completed, you would need to remove tensile and bend specimens for this coupon to ensure mechanical properties are met to qualify the welding procedure.
6. RT (x-ray) would be required for each weld joint.

 

[TVP]

Scott,

metengr provided expert advice on this. If it were me, I would not even contemplate a weld splice onto XM-16 rod. I would definitely reject it.