SEM with EDAX analysis on plasma arc welded butt joints of AISI 304 and AISI 316 steels

Austenitic stainless steels possessing excellent mechanical properties, Exceptional corrosion resistant, non-magnetic, non-hardenable by heat treatment, are very robust, and are easily formed and fabricated. The AISI 304 and AISI 316 grades are two of the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grades. This investigation was carried out to characterize the microstructures of the welded joints of plasma arc butt obtained on identical and dissimilar combinations of AISI 304 and AISI 316. The weldments were characterized by a combination of Image Analyzer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques. Finally Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX) used to identify the elemental composition of materials after welding.