Tools and Best Practices for Heat Resistant Alloy Welding

Often overlooked in the heat resistant alloy selection is the ability to weld repair when necessary. Wrought alloys have a distinct advantage in this area. Even after extensive uses, wrought alloys can be weld repaired. Components which exhibit creep in the hottest areas can be easily checked for functionality with a magnet. Where necessary, the damaged area can be removed, and a new fabricated section or a patch can be welded into place, rather than completely replacing an entire fabrication.

Procedures for welding heat resistant alloys are increasingly well documented. By understanding how both heat resistant stainless steels and nickel alloys differ from carbon steels, good welding practices can be identified. Furthermore, tools are available to aid welders and maintenance workers in the proper welding consumables, shielding gases, and operating parameters to make a proper weld.

This paper will discuss factors to consider for obtaining the best welds for both heat resistant austenitic stainless steels and nickel based alloys, illustrate tools available to guide welders and engineers determine the best alloys and consumables, and discuss the best practices for welding of these alloys.