Welding and testing of welded joints made of HARDOX 400

Abstract

HARDOX steels are widely used in the manufacturing of equipment exposed to wear. High wear resistance of these steels is achieved by their increased hardness and strength, along with exceptional toughness. Increased hardness and strength of such steels is usually accompanied by decreased weldability. However, HARDOX steels have good weldability, thanks to a relatively low carbon equivalent value. In this paper, recommendations for developing a welding technology for steel HARDOX 400 are presented, along with the results of tests performed on a welded joint made for the purpose of welding procedure qualification. The joint was welded using additional materials with strength below that of the parent material, and due to this, the welding technology and the procedure of determining its qualification were specific.