The effect of postweld heat treatment (PWHT) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ITERgrade 316LN austenitic stainless steel joints with ER316LMn filler material was investigated. PWHT aging was performed for 1 h at four different temperatures of 600 degrees C, 760 degrees C, 870 degrees C and 920 degrees C, respectively. The microstructure revealed the sigma phase precipitation occurred in the weld metals heat-treated at the temperature of 870 degrees C and 920 degrees C. The PWHT temperatures have the less effect on the tensile strength, and the maximum tensile strength of the joints is about 630 MPa, reaching the 95% of the base metal, whereas the elongation is enhanced with the rise of PWHT temperatures. Meanwhile, the sigma phase precipitation in the weld metals reduces the impact toughness. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.