The effect of filler metal type on the quality of gas tungsten arc welded DIN 34CrAlNi7 nitriding steel in the nitrided condition

In this study, DIN 34CrAlNi7 Nitriding steel in two states before and after nitriding, were welded by tungsten-gas arc welding process using two types of fillers (ER309L and ER312). The aim of this research was to investigate the best conditions for welding (before or after nitriding) and also to choose the best filler metal. The microstructure of the joint was examined using an optical microscope. A tensile strength test was also used to evaluate the mechanical properties. Fracture surfaces were also studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). According to the results Welding of these steels with ER309L filler is allowed only in the pre-nitriding state. If the base metal is nitriding, due to microstructural changes in the weld metal, filler metal ER309L cannot be used. However, the results of samples welded with ER312 filler metal show that if the base metal mixing percentage is less than 30%, this filler can be used for welding base metals in both before and after nitriding.