Weldability of Low Carbon Transformation Induced Plasticity Steel

Transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel exhibited high or rather high carbon equivalent (CE) because of its chemical composition, which was a particularly detrimental factor affecting weldability of steels. Thus the weldability of a TRIP steel (grade 600) containing (in mass percent, %) 0. 11C-1. 19Si-1. 67Mn was extensively studied. The mechanical properties and impact toughness of butt joint, the welding crack susceptibility of weld and heat affected zone (HAZ) for tee joint, control thermal severity (CTS) of the welded joint, and Y shape 60° butt joint were measured after the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) test. The tensile strength of the weld was higher than 700 MPa. Both in the fusion zone (FZ) and HAZ for butt joint, the impact toughness was much higher than 27 J, either at room temperature or at −20 °C, indicating good low temperature impact ductility of the weld of TRIP 600 steel. In addition, welding crack susceptibility tests revealed that weldments were free of surface crack and other imperfection. All experimental results of this steel showed fairly good weldability. For application, the crossmember in automobile made of this steel exhibited excellent weldability, and fatigue and durability tests were also accomplished for crossmember assembly.