Correlation between GMAW Parameters and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Rolled, High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel Butt Joints

In all industrial fields, the product requirements are more and more demanding. HSLA steels are designed to provide higher atmospheric corrosion resistance and improved mechanical properties than structural steels. The paper presents the results of an experimental program based on factorial design, applied to predict the mechanical properties of butt-welded joints of S420MC and S460MC hot-rolled, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel plates with 2mm, 4mm and 8mm thickness. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) was used and correlations between the main process parameters and the related mechanical properties of the welded joints were found. Obtained mathematical correlations can be exploited to provide optimal combination of welding parameters to fit the quality requirements of the end-users for envisaged welded product.