Analysis of the Quality of the Weld Metal Obtained with Alloyed Flux-Cored Wire

Abstract. The main aim of this paper is to assess the quality of newly produced, alloyed flux-cored wire with increased thickness of the steel cover compared to traditional according to AWS A5.29 standard, alloyed with Ni and Mo, and designed for welding of fine-grained HSLA steel. Flux-cored wire was produced on a pilot production line that allows calibration of steel band of higher thickness and production of flux-cored wire. Quality assessment of the alloyed flux-cored wire was based on the analysis of the results of tests of mechanical properties and microstructure mainly of the weld metal. Variation of chemical composition and microstructure were analyzed along weld metal (for each welding pass) and heat affected zone (HAZ) using SEM and EDS. Based on the results of the quality assessment of flux-cored wire, the conclusions about the feasibility of industrial application of selected metallurgical grade of flux-cored wire designed for welding of fine-grain HSLA steel were presented.