Evaluation of strength in stainless steel weld joints using ball indentation technique

In the present study, strength variations across the type 316LN stainless steel weld joints processed by advanced hot wire tungsten inert gas, activated tungsten inert gas, and hybrid laser metal inert gas welding processes were evaluated using automated ball indentation technique. The secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) associated with welding heat input and welding thermal cycles strongly influenced the strength properties across the weld joints. The strength properties were lower at 823 K compared to 298 K because of thermally activated deformations. The hybrid laser metal inert gas welding process exhibited significantly narrower weld and higher strength in the weld and heat-affected zone due to finer SDAS and grain size, respectively, than the other weld joints.