SMAW 304 stainless steel 2

[deepseadivers]

I have been having some trouble SMAW (Stick) welding s-8 (304) to s-8 base material with 308L-16 filler metal in the vertical up position. I have had several of my certified welders fail at running an x-ray quality weld on this welding qualification test. I will appreciate Anyone with any insight on this. the base metal is .505" thick ,filler metal is 1/8 dia. The main problem is laying bead without a high crown,and cleaning all of the slag out. thanks in advance for the insight friendsT

 

[gtaw]

Try using an E308L-15 which uses a limestone based flux covering.

If you think you have problems welding a groove in the vertical, try welding some fillet welds in the horizontal positions with either the XXX-16 or XXX-17 coated electrodes. Make sure you have a tight fit between the butting and nonbutting members. Let me know what you find.

Best regards - Al

 

[metengr]

deepseadivers;
I would concur with gtaw on the above and based on the reference below from one of my welding reference materials..

Lime...coatings, also known as lime fluorspar or basic, are generally associated with the suffix -15 designation. They give the cleanest weld metal, which is usually the lowest oxygen and inclusions and are more resistant to moisture and porosity. The weld metal tends to be tougher, more ductile, more crack resistant and have higher corrosion resistance. They also have good all-position characteristics and are often chosen for site work. They are normally usable only with direct current and should be the choice of the most demanding applications…

 

[stanweld]

Also concur with gtaw. Our stainless steel SMAW welders are qualified with th "-15" elcetrode; only the most skilled can qualify using the "-16 or -17" electrodes. If you are qualifying the welders on carbon steel coupons, use E309-15.

 

[gtaw]

Just some added information; the stainless steel covered electrodes should be stored in a manner similar to low hydrogen covered electrodes, i.e., in an electric holding oven at 250 degrees F.

Best regards - Al

 

[MRGREEN]

It sounds as if your welders might not be burning into the edges of the weld enough and moving to quick I have seen it happen when people move to fast across the weld bead they end up with a high crown in the center of the weld moving faster across the center and pausing for a longer time in the edge might help. when doing a up hand weld I use a 2 count system basicly I pause for a 2 count in the edges and then whip across to the other side and hold for another 2 count dont know if this is any help but it has worked well for me with stainless and carbon steel welding

 

[pipewelder1999]

I have welded 6G tests using E309-15 and 16. The flux system may vary a great deal between MFGs. Some work well out of position, some do not.

Because SS has a low thermal conductivity, the puddle may stay hot longer. This leads to an increase in convexity of the bead.

Using lower amperage, short arc lengths, and low interpass temps have seemed to help me. Bead placement is also very important. Placing all the "humps" in the right place can prevent non-fusion issues.

You could also let them try a smaller diameter.

As already mention, slight manipulation with less time in the center of the bead will allow the base metal to absorb the heat in the bead better and cool it faster. This will reduce sagging.



Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi

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