How To Weld "T-1" Constructional Alloy Steels: Foreword
How To Weld "T-1" Constructional Alloy Steels: Foreword
How To Weld "T-1" Constructional Alloy Steels: Foreword
Table of contents
Foreword
Introduction
Codes and specifications
Welding processes and procedures
Cutting and joint preparation
Rule 1: Electrode, electrode flux
combination or electrode gas
combination
Use low hydrogen processes
How to select low hydrogen
electrodes
How to control moisture in low
hydrogen electrodes
How to select electrode flux
combination
How to control hydrogen in
electrodes and fluxes
How to select electrode gas
combination
How to control hydrogen in
electrodes and gases
Page
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
9
9
9
9
9
11
units, refer to AWS A2.3-80, Metric Practice Guide for the Welding
Industry.
T-1 steels were originally developed by the U.S. Steel Corporation.
This brochure is based upon a document of the same name authored by
U.S. Steel in January 1995. ArcelorMittal USA facilities has been a
licensee of T-1 steels from USS since 1959. In 2003, the International
Steel Group Inc. (now ArcelorMittal USA) purchased the plate assets of
USS, which included the T-1 trademark.
ArcelorMittal USA assumes no responsibility for, and makes no
representations or warranties as to, the applicability or suitability of the
information in this book for any specific application.
Introduction
Strength, toughness, ductility, weldability, atmospheric corrosion
resistance, economy these make up the attractive combination of
properties and characteristics offered to designers and fabricators by
ArcelorMittal USA T-1, T-1 Type A, T-1 Type B and T-1 Type C
constructional alloy steels.(1) The high yield strength steels, as a group,
have a lower tolerance than lower-strength structural steels for zones
of high stress concentration at design details and weld imperfections.
Therefore, to obtain maximum advantage of the above-mentioned
characteristics of the T-1 steels, it is necessary in their application that
their higher yield strength be accompanied by refinements in design,
workmanship and inspection.
1 Ugasse combination;
the correct electrode, electrode flux combination or electrode
2 Use the correct welding heat;
3 Use the correct welding techniques and fabrication practices;
4 Use care in applying postweld heat treatment (see page 11).
For chemical and mechanical properties of T-1 steels, refer to the ArcelorMittal USA brochure A514 and T-1 steels or the Plate Steel Specification Guide.
Rule 1: Use the correct electrode, electrode flux combination or electrode gas combinations
Use only welding processes that are suitably controlled to ensure
that they are low hydrogen
Low hydrogen covered electrodes for shielded metal arc welding are
produced to meet requirements of AWS A5.1(1) (latest edition) or A5.5(2)
(latest edition). Electrode classifications are marked on electrode
containers as well as on individual electrodes. The electrode
classification system is described in AWS A5.1 and A5.5 and designates
the weld strength, electrode type and weld metal composition and
toughness. The first two or three digits in the classification indicate the
minimum tensile strength of the deposited metal in ksi. The next two
digits designate the type of electrode coating and the applicable
welding current and welding position. A letter or letter digit suffix, when
used, following the digits discussed above indicate a specific chemical
composition. Some electrode classifications are also required to meet
specific toughness criteria.
For low hydrogen electrodes, the last digit designating the type of
coating should be 5, 6, or 8. E8015, E9016, E11018 and E7028 are
examples of low hydrogen electrodes that may be used to weld
ArcelorMittal USA T-1 steels.
For applications where the weld must be as strong as the T-1 steels
and have similar toughness, use E11018-M electrodes per AWS A5.5
(latest edition) capable (depending on welding procedure) of depositing
weld metal having a minimum tensile strength of 110 ksi and a Charpy
V-notch toughness of 20-ft-lbs. at 60F. In some cases, such as for
T-1 Type A Steel in thin sections, it may be necessary to use a higher
strength electrode such as E12018-M in order to meet guided bend
test requirements for welding procedure qualification or welder
performance qualification. The AWS specification limit on maximum
moisture content for E100, E110, and E120 classes of electrodes, as
well as the E9018 electrodes, is 5 mml/100gm weld metal diffusible
hydrogen, which is suitable for welding the T-1 steels.
Other electrodes classified by AWS A5.1 or A5.5 depositing weld metal
different in strength and toughness may be either necessary or
sufficient depending on design stress and application(3). For example,
electrodes that deposit weld metal lower in strength (E100, E90, E80
and E70 classes) than that of the T-1 steels are often adequate,
5. E
lectrodes that have been wet or contaminated by other
foreign substances, such as oil, grease or paint, should be
discarded.
1. B
uy fluxes in moisture-resistant packages. Do not open the
packages until ready to weld. Flux should be placed in the
dispensing system immediately upon opening the package, and
any remaining flux should be stored in a holding oven at 250300F or as recommended by the flux manufacturer.
How to select the correct electrode gas combination for gas metal
arc and flux cored arc welding
Gas metal arc welding may be done with an Mn-Ni-Cr-Mo electrode,
designated ER110S-1 and argon-2% oxygen shielding gas, per AWS
A5.28 (latest edition).(5) The electrode classification system is described
in AWS A5.28 and designates the weld metal strength, toughness and
composition. For the above-suggested electrode, the ER110S-1
designates a bare solid electrode capable (depending on welding
procedure) of depositing weld metal having a minimum tensile strength
of 110 ksi, a Charpy V-notch toughness of 50 ft-lbs. minimum at
-60F, and a specific Mn-Ni-Cr-Mo composition.
Flux cored arc welding may be done with an Mn-Ni-Mo electrode,
designated E110T5-K3, or an Mn-Ni-Cr-Mo electrode designated
E110T5-K4, and with appropriate shielding gas, per AWS A5.29 (latest
edition).(6) The electrode classification system is described in AWS
A5.29 and designates the weld metal strength, toughness and
composition. For example, the above-suggested electrode E110T5-K3
designates a flux cored electrode capable (depending on welding
procedure) of depositing weld metal having a minimum tensile strength
of 110 ksi, a Charpy V-notch toughness of 20 ft-lbs. at 60F, and a
specific Mn-Ni-Mo composition.
Other gas metal arc or flux cored arc welding electrodes depositing
weld metal different in strength and toughness from those weld metals
described above may be either necessary or sufficient depending on
design stress and application.
1. F
or shielded metal arc welding, use only low hydrogen
electrodes that provide weld metal of suitable strength
and toughness and keep them dry.
2. For submerged arc welding, use only hydrogencontrolled electrodes and fluxes that provide weld metal
of suitable strength and toughness.
3. For gas metal arc and flux cored arc welding, use only
hydrogen-controlled electrodes and gases that provide
weld metal of suitable strength and toughness.
(1)
Specification for carbon steel electrodes for shielded metal arc welding
(2)
(3)
F or unpainted structures boldly exposed to the atmosphere, contact the nearest ArcelorMittal USA plate office at +1 610 383 2589
or email [email protected] for information on selection of welding electrodes
(4)
Specification for low alloy steel electrodes and fluxes for submerged arc welding
(5)
Specification for low-alloy steel filler metals for gas shielded arc welding
(6)
Specification for low-alloy steel electrodes for flux cored arc welding
Table 1
Suggested minimum preheat or interpass temperature, F(a)(b)
Plate thickness, inches
Up to 1/2, incl.
Over 1/2 to 1, incl.
Over 1 to 2, incl.
Over 2
50(d)
50(d)
150
200
100
150
200
250
(a)
Applicable to shielded metal arc, submerged arc, gas metal arc, flux cored arc and gas tungsten arc welding processes.
(b)
preheat or interpass temperature above the minimum shown may be required for highly restrained welds; however, preheat or interpass temperature should not
A
exceed 400F for thickness up to and including 1-1/2 in. or 450F for thicknesses over 1-1/2 In.
(c)
(d)
Welding a steel which is at an initial temperature below 100F may require localized preheating to remove moisture from the surface of the steel.
1. A
mperage, voltage and arc travel speed. The welding heat input
depends principally on amperage and the speed at which the arc
travels along the joint. For a given welding process, changes in
arc voltage have a relatively small effect on heat input. A higher
amperage produces a higher heat input. A slow arc travel speed
produces a higher heat input than a fast speed because each
increment along the weld joint is exposed to the high
temperature of the arc for a longer time.
2. T
hickness of the pieces to be welded. A thick piece of steel can
absorb more heat than a thin piece. Therefore, a thick piece of
the T-1 steel can tolerate a higher heat input than a thin piece.
Table 2
Suggested maximum heat input, KJ/in.*
T-1 and T-1 Type C steels
Preheat and interpass temp. F
Thickness In.
3/16
1/4
1/2
3/4
1
1-1/4
1-1/2
2
70
27
36
70
121
Any
Any
Any
Any
150
23
32
62
107
188
Any
Any
Any
300
17
24
47
82
126
175
Any
Any
400
13
19
40
65
93
127
165
Any
Thickness In.
3/16
1/4
1/2
3/4
1
1-1/4
1-1/2
2
70
18
24
35
47
64
89
Any
Any
150
15
21
31
42
57
77
120
Any
200
14
19
28
38
53
70
110
154
300
12
16
24
32
42
56
86
120
400
9
12
18
26
34
42
66
94
* Tables for single-arc applications of the shielded metal arc, submerged arc, gas tungsten arc, flux cored arc and gas metal arc processes; not applicable to
multiple-arc and to electro-slag welding and other high-heat-input vertical-welding processes, since welds are made by these processes in the T-1 steels should
be reheat treated by quenching and tempering after welding.
The maximum heat input for T-1 and T-1 type C steels are based on
a minimum Charpy V-notch impact value of 10 ft-lbs. at 50F in the
heat-affected zone, simulated by in a Gleeble treated specimen. The
maximum heat input for T-1 type A and T-1 type B steels is based on
a minimum Charpy V-notch impact value of 10 ft-lbs. at 0F in the
heat-affected zone, simulated in a Gleeble treated specimen.
For thicknesses greater than those shown on the table, the heat input
should not exceed the values in the last line of the table for the steel to
be welded T-1, T-1 type A, T-1 type B, or T-1 type C. When
welding T-1 or T-1 type C steels to T-1 type A or T-1 type B
steels, the values in the table for the T-1 type A and the T-1 type B
steels should not be exceeded. When welding different thicknesses of
the T-1 steels, the lower of the heat-input limits should not be
exceeded.
The heat-input table is to be used only for the single arc applications of
the shielded metal arc, submerged arc, gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc
and flux cored arc processes. The heat input, as shown in the table, is
directly applicable for groove welds in butt joints or corner joints and
fillet welds in corner joints. However, because the geometrical
configurations of tee joints and lap joints provides, in general, more
rapid cooling from welding, the maximum heat input, as shown in the
table, may be increased by about 25 percent for fillet welds or groove
welds in tee joints and lap joints.
Heat input,
Kilojoules per inch
Amperes x volts x 60
1000 x (Speed, inches per minute)
To determine welding heat input using the shielded metal arc welding
process to butt weld two 1/2 inch T-1 steel plates that are already at
a temperature of 300F.
Step 1 Select volts, amps and speed for the welding process
to be used.
1. A
ssume an arc voltage of 25 volts. Such a value is typical of that
for a low hydrogen covered electrode.
2. N
ext, assume a current of 200 amps. Such a value is within the
operating range for a 3/16 inch size low hydrogen covered
electrode.
We now have: Volts = 25
Amps = 200
Speed = 5 inches per minute
Step 2 Determine the heat input that will result from the
selected welding variables of 25 volts, 200 Amps and 5 inches
per minute of travel speed.
KJ /in. = Heat input = 25 x 200 x 60
1000 x 5
= 60 kJ/in.
Step 3 Find the suggested maximum heat input for 1/2 inch
T-1 steel plate at 300F.
Using Table 3 T-1 and T-1 type C steels, locate the plate thickness
(1/2 inch) in the first column. Next, follow that row to the right,
stopping at the column for the known plate temperature (300F) under
Preheat and Interpass Temperature. The box where the row and column
meet shows the suggested maximum heat input to be 47 kJ/in. [or heat
input]. See illustration on next page.
Table 3
Suggested maximum heat input, KJ/in.*
T-1 and T-1 Type C steels
Preheat and interpass temp. F
Thickness In.
3/16
1/4
1/2
3/4
1
1-1/4
1-1/2
2
70
27
36
70
121
Any
Any
Any
Any
150
23
32
62
107
188
Any
Any
Any
300
17
24
47
82
126
175
Any
Any
400
13
19
40
65
93
127
165
Any
Thickness In.
3/16
1/4
1/2
3/4
1
1-1/4
1-1/2
2
70
18
24
35
47
64
89
Any
Any
150
15
21
31
42
57
77
120
Any
200
14
19
28
38
53
70
110
154
300
12
16
24
32
42
56
86
120
400
9
12
18
26
34
42
66
94
* Tables for single-arc applications of the shielded metal arc, submerged arc, gas tungsten arc, flux cored arc and gas metal arc processes; not applicable to multiple
arc and to electro-slag welding and other high heat input vertical welding processes, since welds are made by these processes in the T-1 steels should be reheat
treated by quenching and tempering after welding.
Note: Welding speed should not be too high or too low for
optimum weld soundness and contour.
47 [max.] = 1500 x amps
5000
C. Allow the plates to cool [leaving the arc current, arc
voltage and arc travel speed the same]. For any given
thickness of steel, as the preheat or interpass temperature is
lowered, the suggested maximum heat input increases as may be
seen from the heat input tables. Using the Heat Input Table for
T-1 and T-1 type C steels follow the line for 1/2 inch plate to
the right, stopping at the column showing 62 KJ/in. This suggested
maximum Heat Input Value for -inch thick steel at a preheat or
interpass temperature of 150F is slightly higher than the 60 KJ/in.
determined in Step 2, indicating that a welding heat input of 60 KJ/
in. could be used for welding 1/2 inch plate at 150F. By
interpolation of preheat and interpass temperatures in the Heat
Input Table, 60 KJ/in. could be used for welding 1/2 inch plate at a
temperature as high as about 170F.
amps = 47 x 5000
1500
A. Lower the current [leave the arc voltage and arc travel
speed the same].
KJ/in. = Heat input = 47 [max.] = 25 x amps x 60
5 x 1000
amps = 156
B. I ncrease the arc travel speed [leaving the arc current and
arc voltage the same].
KJ/in. = Heat input = 47 [max.] = 25 x 200 x 60
1000 x in./min.
in./min. = 300000
1000 x 47
in./min. = 6.38
Again, this illustration shows that 200 amps, 25 volts and 6-3/8
inches per minute arc travel speed will produce a heat input of 47
KJ/in., a value that does not exceed the suggested maximum
determined in Step 3.
How to Weld T-1 Constructional Alloy Steels Page 8
1. S
elect preheat and interpass temperature for the
thickness of the steel to be welded (see table) for the
welding process to be used.
Weld finish
The stringer bead technique is suggested for both single and multiplepass welds in the T-1 steels. In multiple-pass welding, before a bead is
deposited over a previous bead, flux, scale or oxide must be removed by
one of the usual cleaning methods (powered or manual hammer and
brush).
The junction between the face of a weld and the base metal should
merge smoothly into the base metal with minimum undercutting for
fillet welds and groove welds, as well as for butt welds. The face of such
welds should be free of coarse ripples, grooves, overlaps, abrupt ridges
or valleys. Welding techniques used must be such as to provide
adequate weld penetration, particularly at the root.
The following illustration of two fillet welds shows desirable features of
a good weld on the left and undesirable features of a poor weld on the
right.
Weld restraint
With high restraint and weld metal as strong as or stronger than the
T-1 steels, the weld shrinkage may sometimes overstrain the heataffected zone of the base metal causing cracking at the toes or roots of
fillet or groove welds in tee or corner joints. Such cracking is more likely
to occur when any one of the following conditions exists:
4. S
urface or butter in the toe area of fillet welds. One or more
adjacent stringer beads are deposited in the anticipated toe area
for the desired fillet weld. These surfacing or buttering welds
should be made with low-strength weld metal. The desired fillet
weld should then be made such that at least half a bead width of
the surfacing or buttering welds remains exposed; otherwise,
the benefits from using the low-strength weld metal will be
reduced or lost.
5. U
se low-carbon soft steel wire spacers for fillet welds. The soft
wires provide a cushion that reduces the restraint when the two
members being welded move together under the effect of weld
shrinkage.
Summary of Rule 3
Use the correct welding techniques and practices:
1. U
se the stringer bead technique for welding the T-1 steels,
back-stepping the weld start to minimize porosity at the weld
start.
1. C
hoose weld joint design, weld location and the sequence of
assembly of members by welding that will minimize weld
restraint.
2. U
se a lower-strength weld metal for tee or corner joints than
would normally be used for butt joints, provided design stress
requirements are met, since many tee or corner joints do not
require weld metal as high in strength as that for butt welds.
4. C
ontour the welds properly.
5. M
inimize cracking at the toes and roots of highly restrained
welds by:
a. U
sing joint design, location and sequence of assembly to
minimize weld restraint
c. A
ir hammer peening the welds
d. S
urface or butter welding in the toe area of fillet welds
e. Using low carbon soft steel wire spacers for fillet welds
Further information:
Contact Eric Slowik at +1 610 383 2674 or [email protected]
1. C
hoose weld joint design, weld location and the sequence of
assembly of members by welding that will minimize weld
restraint.
2. C
hoose the weld joint design and contour the weld finish to
minimize zones of stress concentration. Butt welds are
preferable to fillet welds. Remove backing strips if used, and
then back weld.
4. S
urface or butter in the toe area of fillet welds. One or more
adjacent stringer beads are deposited in the anticipated toe area
for the desired fillet weld. These surfacing or buttering welds
should be made with low-strength weld metal. The desired fillet
weld should then be made such that at least half a bead width of
the surfacing welds remains exposed as described in the
discussion on Weld Restraint.
5. A
ir hammer peen the welds as previously described in the
discussion on Weld Restraint.
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January 2015