How to weld > Welding thermal cycle
The thermal cycle
The welding process subjects a joint to a localized thermal heat treatment.
This effect contributes to that the joint attains different mechanical properties and microstructures compared to that of the unaffected parent metal. The mechanical properties that are mostly affected by the thermal cycle are toughness, static strength and hardness values in the joint.
Welding properties are of vital concern for SSAB during the development of our steels. As a result, these steels can achieve favorable properties in the joint. This is achieved by following the welding recommendations stated by SSAB.
The complete part of the parent metal that is influenced by the thermal cycle from welding is called the heat affected zone (HAZ). The other main areas in the joint are the unaffected parent metal and the weld metal, see illustrations below.
The principal parts of the joint: a) Unaffected parent metal. b) Heat affected zone, HAZ. c) Weld metal.
The information in this report is only applicable to SSAB’s products and should not be applied to any other products than original SSAB products.
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