LAUSR

Abstract Hot cracking free fusion welds of re-sulphurized, high machinable grade stainless steel AISI 416 were obtained while adopting Laser-arc Hybrid Welding (LAHW) with the use of Ni-Cr-Mo rich austenitic filler metal. The carbon enriched martensite was observed at the interface of weld region, which, in turn, contributed for an elevated hardness. Both gamma ray non-destructive testing and cross-sectional analysis further affirm the absence of porosity and solidification cracking in the weld region of AISI 416. Mechanical integrity of the joints were established using tension and Charpy V-notch impact tests. Notch tensile studies revealed that the joint strength was much higher compared to the base metal. A slight delineation in notch impact toughness of the LAHW joints is ascribed to the formation of sulphide inclusions. The outcomes of the study recommend the use of the LAHW for joining difficult-to-weld metals.