The Effect of Aging Treatments After TIG Welding on AISI 304 Stainless Steel Material on Hardness and Strength Values

Abstract

In the study, test samples were obtained by welding the AISI 304 stainless steel material with TIG welding. Within the scope of the study, after TIG welding applied to AISI 304 stainless steel sheet material, dissolution was made at 900 degrees C for 1 hour. After dissolution, changes in the hardness and tensile strength values of the aging heat treatments applied at 320 degrees C and 3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24 and 27 hours were investigated. After aging at different times, the optimum aging time was determined to be 21 hours. This period gave in formation about the changes in strength and the continuity of the strength in the sample combined with welded manufacturing. In the study, FESEM and EDS analyzes were carried out in microstructures, tensile and hardness tests were performed for mechanical tests. Positive results of microstructure change in strength and unit elongation rates of the material were observed. Positive results were obtained in the tensile strength and hardness values of the welding zone (average of the main material, welding zone and ITAB) after dissolution and aging with the study.