Effect of Pulsed Current on Temperature Distribution, Weld Bead Profiles and Characteristics of GTA Welded Stainless Steel Joints

This paper compares temperature distribution and weld bead profiles of constant current and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welded AISI 304L grade stainless steel joints. The effects of pulsed current welding on tensile properties, hardness profiles, micro structural features and residual stress distribution of stainless steel joints are reported. The use of pulsed current technique improves the tensile properties of the welds compared to those of continuous current welds due to grain refinement occurring in the fusion zone.