Induction Welding of 304L Stainless Steel and Copper in Vacuum Environment

Welding of dissimilar metals like copper and 304L steel which is very difficult to achieve, was successfully carried out by induction welding in partial vacuum condition. Microstructural and spectroscopic analysis suggests a sound, crack and pore-free joint with diffusion of Fe and other alloying elements of steel in Cu side. Microhardness distribution suggests enhancement of copper microhardness near the interface. The interface microhardness and ultimate tensile strength of the joint as well as the elongation are improved with increase in current and load. The results indicate that the vacuum environment is beneficial in terms of tensile strength of the welded joints. Within the range of the present study, maximum tensile strength of about 97.92% of the un-welded copper is obtained for welding with 650 A and 2.5 kg load.