Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Electron Beam Welded Joints of High Strength S960QL and Weldox 1300 Steel Grades

The paper shows the results of metallographic examination and mechanical properties of electron beam welded joints of quenched and tempered S960QL and Weldox 1300 steel grades. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of producing good quality electron beam welded joints without filler material. Metallographic examination revealed that the concentrated electron beam significantly affects the changes of microstructure in the weld and the adjacent heat affected zone (HAZ) in both steel grades. The microstructure of the welded joints is not homogeneous. The four zones, depending on the distance from the weld face, can be distinguished. Basically, the microstructure of the weld consists of a mixture of martensite and bainite. However, the microstructure of HAZ depends on the distance from the fusion line. It is composed of martensite near the fusion line and a mixture of bainite and ferrite in the vicinity of the base material. Significant differences in mechanical properties of the welded joints were observed. For a butt welded joint of the S960QL steel grade the strength is at the level of the strength of the base material (Rm = 1074 MPa). During the bending test the required angle of 180° was achieved. The impact strength at –40°C was 71,7 J/cm2 . In the case of the Weldox 1300 steel grade butt welded joints exhibit high mechanical properties (Rm = 1470 MPa), however, the plastic properties are on the lower level than for the base material