Comparison of two types of low-transformation-temperature weld metals based on solidification mode

Two types of low-transformation-temperature weld metals were devised, one associated with primary austenite solidification, the other primary ferrite solidification. The martensite start temperature of both low-transformation-temperature weld metals was about 125°C. Experimental results showed that low-transformation-temperature weld microstructure associated with primary austenite solidification was martensite with 8.0% retained austenite, whereas that one related to primary ferrite solidification primarily consisted of martensite and δ-ferrite. Accordingly, both welded joints had little distinction between distortion and residual stress, indicating that weld metal associated with primary ferrite solidification played the same function as primary austenite solidification on residual stress reduction. Moreover, the low-transformation-temperature weld metal associated with primary ferrite solidification had higher tensile strength and hardness than that based on primary austenite solidification.