Hot-Wire Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Cladding of Super Austenitic Stainless Steel on Low Carbon Steel

Arc welding techniques for applying austenitic stainless steel cladding to low-carbon steels are common. Cladding enhances surface properties, increases corrosion resistance, improves product performance, extends service life, and reduces maintenance costs associated with surface corrosion. The hot-wire gas tungsten arc welding (HW-GTAW) method offers several benefits, making it appealing for cladding applications. This research investigates the use of HW-GTAW to clad low-carbon steels with super-austenitic stainless steel, examining macro and microstructures, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and wear performance. Two conditions were tested: one without a hot-wire, called CW-GTAW (cold-wire), and one with a hot-wire, called HW-GTAW. The HW-GTAW process reduced the dilution rate, thereby benefiting cladding. Microstructural analysis showed that both conditions exhibited elongated columnar dendrites in the heat-affected zone and a shallow region of equiaxed dendrites near the surface. The HW-CL condition displayed slight improvements in corrosion and wear resistance, but both samples outperformed the uncoated base material. These findings support the expanded application of super austenitic stainless steels and HW-GTAW in cladding processes.