Microstructure and Hardness Properties of AISI 321 Stainless Steel Welded Joints with Different Filler Metal

Austenitic stainless steel is susceptible to sensitization when exposed to high temperatures. During welding operations, they tend to form chromium depletion zones and thus become susceptible to intergranular corrosion. The microstructure and hardness properties of AISI 321 austenitic stainless steel welds have been studied in this work. The phenomenon of sensitization of AISI 321 stainless steel during GTAW has also been investigated. This experiment observed three welded samples using different filler metals, ER316, ER308, and ER347. Weld sample analysis was studied using an optical microscope and a microhardness tester. The results demonstrated that the type of filler metal significantly affected changes in the microstructure and hardness of the weld joint.