Weldability in dissimilar welds between Type 310 austenitic stainless steel and Alloy 657

Microstructural evolution and solidification cracking susceptibility of dissimilar metal welds between Type 310 austenitic stainless steel and Inconel 657, a nickel-based alloy, were studied using a combination of electron microscopy analysis and Varestraint testing techniques. In addition, the effect of filler metal chemistry on the fusion zone composition, microstructure, and resultant weldability was investigated. The good cracking resistance of welds prepared with Inconel A was due to a small amount of secondary phase (NbC) and narrow solidification temperature range. The relatively poor cracking resistance of welds prepared with Inconel 82 and Type 310 stainless steel (310 SS) was a result of a wide solidification temperature range and an increase in the amount of secondary phases. Consequently, it is concluded that for the joint between Inconel 657 and 310 SS, filler material of Inconel A offers the best weldability.