Abstract Heat input is important variable that decides the quality of weld. In present studies its impact on metallurgical, mechanical and corrosion resistance of nickel based ERNiCrMo-4 filler wire cladded onto AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel deposited using Metal Inert Gas cladding process was investigated. Comprehensive assessments of cross-sectional microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical properties were conducted. The microstructural analysis reveals that Metal Inert Gas cladding achieves superior bonding and microstructural refinement due to low heat input at 3.05 kJ/mm with 140A while, at high heat input 4.0 kJ/mm with 160A, a uniform but coarser columnar dendritic structure is produced. Mechanical evaluations highlighted that Metal Inert Gas cladding at high heat input achieved superior tensile (633±12) MPa, yield strength (422±10), higher impact strength (215±15J) and exhibited lower hardness (238±6 HV0.2) compared to Metal Inert Gas cladding at low heat input (275±5 HV0.2) Electrochemical testing revealed Metal Inert Gas cladding at low heat input offered the best corrosion resistance (corrosion rate: 3.05 Mpy) and prevented intergranular corrosion (DOS =0.86%) comparatively Metal Inert Gas cladding at high heat input (160A) provided less protection (corrosion rate: 4.24 Mpy & DOS =2.35%). At high heat input the impact and tensile strength was found to increase while the average hardness decreased. The corrosion resistance was significantly higher at low heat input.
Kavishwar et al. (Tue,) studied this question.