The effect of nozzle orifice diameter on penetration depth and mechanical properties of AISI430/AISI1040 dissimilar steel joined by keyhole PTA welding process

In this study, AISI 430/AISI 1040 steel couple 10 mm thick were welded in the butt position without any pre-treatment using keyhole plasma transferred arc (KPTA) process. Welded joints were manufactured selecting constant welding speed (0.01 mmin−1) and two different nozzle orifice diameters (2.4 and 3.2 mm), three different welding currents (130, 135 and 140 A), at a constant plasma gas flow (1.2 l min−1), a shielding gas flow (25 l min−1). The microstructural changes that occurred in the interface regions of the welded samples were examined by microhardness, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). In order to determine mechanical properties of samples, the V-notch Charpy tests were performed. In addition, fracture types in the notch impact strength tests of samples were determined from the fractographic examinations using SEM. K e y w o r d s: plasma transferred arc welding, keyhole, AISI 430, AISI 1040, nozzle orifice diameter