EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1011-3

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM December 2018

ICS 25.160.10 Supersedes EN 1011-3:2000

English Version

Welding - Recommendations for welding of metallic

materials - Part 3: Arc welding of stainless steels
Soudage - Recommandations pour le soudage des Schweißen - Empfehlungen zum Schweißen
matériaux métalliques - Partie 3: Soudage à l'arc des metallischer Werkstoffe - Teil 3: Lichtbogenschweißen
aciers inoxydables von nichtrostenden Stählen

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 17 September 2018.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 1011-3:2018 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

Contents Page

European foreword....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 6
3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 6
4 Parent metal...................................................................................................................................................... 7
5 Storage and handling ..................................................................................................................................... 7
6 Welding consumables.................................................................................................................................... 7
7 Fabrication ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
7.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
7.2 Weld details....................................................................................................................................................... 8
7.3 Weld backing .................................................................................................................................................... 8
8 Quality requirements of welds ................................................................................................................... 9
9 Distortion ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
10 Post-weld cleaning .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Annex A (informative) Welding of austenitic stainless steels................................................................... 11
A.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 11
A.1.1 Chemical composition ................................................................................................................................ 11
A.1.2 Microstructure .............................................................................................................................................. 11
A.1.3 Types of austenitic stainless steel .......................................................................................................... 11
A.2 Welding aspects ............................................................................................................................................ 12
A.2.1 Welding details ............................................................................................................................................. 12
A.2.2 Welding consumables................................................................................................................................. 13
A.3 Consequences of welding .......................................................................................................................... 13
A.3.1 Cracking ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
A.3.2 Mechanical properties................................................................................................................................ 14
A.3.3 Corrosion resistance ................................................................................................................................... 14
A.3.4 Distortion ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
A.4 Post-weld treatment ................................................................................................................................... 15
A.4.1 Heat treatment .............................................................................................................................................. 15
A.4.2 Cleaning ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
Annex B (informative) Welding of ferritic stainless steels ........................................................................ 16
B.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 16
B.1.1 Chemical composition ................................................................................................................................ 16
B.1.2 Microstructure .............................................................................................................................................. 16
B.2 Welding aspects ............................................................................................................................................ 16
B.2.1 Welding details ............................................................................................................................................. 16
B.2.2 Welding consumables................................................................................................................................. 17
B.3 Consequences of welding .......................................................................................................................... 17
B.3.1 Cracking ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
B.3.2 Mechanical properties................................................................................................................................ 17
B.3.3 Corrosion resistance ................................................................................................................................... 17

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B.3.4 Distortion......................................................................................................................................................... 18
B.4 Post-weld treatment .................................................................................................................................... 18
B.4.1 Heat treatment .............................................................................................................................................. 18
B.4.2 Finishing .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Annex C (informative) Welding of austenitic-ferritic stanless steels ..................................................... 19
C.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
C.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
C.1.2 Chemical composition ................................................................................................................................. 19
C.1.3 Microstructure ............................................................................................................................................... 19
C.1.4 Types of austenitic – ferritic stainless steel ........................................................................................ 19
C.2 Welding aspects............................................................................................................................................. 19
C.2.1 Welding details .............................................................................................................................................. 19
C.2.2 Welding consumables ................................................................................................................................. 20
C.3 Consequences of welding ........................................................................................................................... 21
C.3.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 21
C.3.2 Cracking ........................................................................................................................................................... 21
C.3.3 Mechanical properties ................................................................................................................................ 21
C.3.4 Corrosion resistance.................................................................................................................................... 21
C.3.5 Distortion......................................................................................................................................................... 21
C.3.6 Porosity ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
C.4 Post-weld treatment .................................................................................................................................... 22
C.4.1 Heat treatment .............................................................................................................................................. 22
C.4.2 Cleaning ............................................................................................................................................................ 22
Annex D (informative) Welding of martensitic and martensitic-austenitic stainles steels............ 23
D.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
D.1.1 Chemical composition ................................................................................................................................. 23
D.1.2 Types of martensitic and martensitic-austenitic stainless steel ................................................. 23
D.2 Welding aspects............................................................................................................................................. 23
D.3 Consequences of welding ........................................................................................................................... 24
D.3.1 Cracking ........................................................................................................................................................... 24
D.3.2 Mechanical properties ................................................................................................................................ 24
D.3.3 Corrosion resistance.................................................................................................................................... 24
D.3.4 Distortion......................................................................................................................................................... 24
D.4 Post-weld treatment .................................................................................................................................... 25
D.4.1 Heat treatment .............................................................................................................................................. 25
D.4.2 Cleaning ............................................................................................................................................................ 25
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 26

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EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

European foreword

This document (EN 1011-3:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 121 “Welding
and allied processes”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 2019, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by June 2019.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document supersedes EN 1011-3:2000.

EN 1011 consists of the following parts, under the general title Welding — Recommendations for
welding of metallic materials:

— Part 1: General guidance for arc welding;

— Part 2: Arc welding of ferritic steels;

— Part 3: Arc welding of stainless steels;

— Part 4: Arc welding of aluminium and aluminium alloys;

— Part 5: Welding of clad steel;

— Part 6: Laser beam welding;

— Part 7: Electron beam welding;

— Part 8: Welding of cast irons.

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

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 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

Introduction

This document is being issued with several annexes in order that it may be extended to cover the
different types of steel which will be produced to all the European steel standards for stainless steels.
When this document is referenced for contractual purposes, the ordering authority should state the
need for compliance with the standard and such other annexes as are appropriate.
This document gives general guidance for the satisfactory production and control of welding and details
the possible detrimental phenomena which may occur with advice on methods by which they may be
avoided. It is generally applicable to all stainless steels and is appropriate regardless of the type of
fabrication involved, although the application standard may have additional requirements. Permissible
design stresses in welds, methods of testing and acceptance levels are not included because they
depend on the service conditions of the fabrication. These details should be obtained from the design
specification.
This document contains additional details for fusion welding of stainless steels and should be read in
conjunction with the general recommendations in EN 1011-1.

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EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

1 Scope
This document gives general recommendations for the fusion welding of stainless steels. Specific details
relevant to austenitic, austenitic-ferritic, ferritic and martensitic stainless steels are given in Annexes A
to D.

2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 5817, Welding — Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (beam welding
excluded) — Quality levels for imperfections (ISO 5817)

EN ISO 14175, Welding consumables — Gases and gas mixtures for fusion welding and allied processes
(ISO 14175)

CEN ISO/TR 15608, Welding — Guidelines for a metallic materials grouping system (ISO/TR 15608)

EN ISO 15609-1, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — Welding
procedure specification — Part 1: Arc welding (ISO 15609-1)

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at [Link]

• ISO Online browsing platform: available at [Link]

3.1
passive layer
thin, transparent and tightly adherent film on the surface of stainless steels which protects them against
corrosive attack

3.2
stabilized/unstabilized
stabilized steels contain additions of strong carbide/nitride forming elements, (usually titanium or
niobium), which limit the formation of chromium carbides/nitrides, allowing the stainless steel to
retain its corrosion resistance, particularly around grain boundaries

3.3
ferrite number
number indicating magnetic attraction, relative to a series of reference samples and therefore,
proportional to the ferro-magnetic phase content, approximately equal to ferrite (delta ferrite) content
over the range 0 % to 10 % but more readily measured

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 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

3.4
consumable insert
length of filler metal which is manufactured to conform with the shape and dimensions of the weld
preparation and is melted to become an integral part of the joint during welding

4 Parent metal
This dokument applies to stainless steels of the austenitic, ferritic, martensitic and austenitic/ferritic
stainless types, according to groups 8 to 10 of CEN ISO/TR 15608.

5 Storage and handling

When storing, handling or fabricating stainless steel, the environment shall be controlled to avoid
permanent breakdown of the passive layer, which gives stainless steel its good corrosion resistance.
Stainless steels shall be protected from contamination and surface damage during all stages of storage,
fabrication and transportation.
Contact between stainless steels and other materials, e.g. carbon steels, copper, paints, dyes and tapes,
which cause a breakdown of the passive layer or other detrimental effects should be avoided. When
contact is not avoidable care should be taken that all residues are removed.
Racking for stainless steels shall be strongly built and shall be lined in a secure manner with materials
that will not contaminate stainless steel, e.g. dry wood, plastic or stainless steel. Unlined or painted
carbon steel racking shall not be used. Lifting grabs shall be made from or lined with a non-
contaminating material.
Welding fixtures, earth clamps or manipulators shall be either manufactured from or lined with non-
contaminating materials.

6 Welding consumables
Filler materials should be selected having regard to the parent metals and the particular application and
shall comply with the relevant standards.
Where consumable inserts are used they shall correspond with the relevant filler metal as well as with
the parent material composition.

7 Fabrication
7.1 General

Facilities for fabrication of stainless steels shall be segregated from other works and kept free of all
possible contaminating materials such as lead, zinc, copper, copper alloys or carbon steels, etc.
Forming tools shall be cleaned thoroughly before use to avoid cross contamination. All lubricants used
in the forming operations shall be removed from the workpiece.
Only tools dedicated to stainless steel shall be employed; this particularly applies to grinding wheels,
cutting wheels and wire brushes.
Welding heats up the parent metal which causes formation of oxide films both on the weld metal and on
the surrounding areas of the weld. These oxides as well as slags produced by covered electrodes, flux
cored wires and submerged arc welding, shall be removed if the weld is to be exposed to a corrosive
medium or for other reasons (see Clause 10).
When, during weld edge preparation oxidation, hardening and general contamination from thermal
cutting processes occur, these should be eliminated by mechanically machining to a sufficient depth

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EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

from the cut face. During shearing cracking and burrs can occur. These may also require to be removed
prior to welding.
Where cut edges do not form fusion faces, care should be taken to ensure that the shearing or thermal
cutting does not adversely affect the performance of the fabrication.
Hard stamping should be avoided, but when it shall be used attention is drawn to the danger of it being
applied in highly stressed or corrosive areas. Locations of these marks should be identicated. Hard
stamping used for marking in radiographic examination should be subject to similar precautions.
Welds which are to be inspected and approved should not be painted or otherwise treated until they
have been accepted.
7.2 Weld details

Welding details shall be described in an appropriate Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) in

accordance with EN ISO 15609-1.
Further details of weldability aspects are given in Annexes A to D.
Acceptance criteria for misalignment of joints are given in EN ISO 5817. For certain applications (for
example the welding of pipework) and welding processes, closer tolerances may be necessary.
Where run-on/run-off pieces are used these shall be manufactured from a grade of stainless steel
compatible with that used for the fabrication and shall have a thickness and edge preparation similar to
that used for the joint.
The removal of run-on/run-off pieces shall be performed by a method which does not adversely affect
the properties of the parent metal and weld deposit. Inspection should be carried out to demonstrate
that both the parent material and weld deposit are free from unacceptable imperfections.
Where the weld has to be made from one side only, it may be necessary to protect the root side from
atmospheric oxidation to maintain the corrosion resistance of the joint. The root run of such welds is
generally made using the TIG or plasma welding process.
7.3 Weld backing

Permanent backing shall consist of a compatible grade of stainless steel and should not be used where
there is a risk of crevice corrosion.
When it is not appropriate to use part of the structure as backing material, the material to be used shall
be specified in the construction design.
When using copper as a temporary backing material a groove shall be machined into the backing
material in the fusion area. Care should be taken when welding as there is a risk of copper pick-up. This
can be reduced by nickel or chromium plating of the copper backing material. When using high heat
input, the copper backing should be water-cooled.
Backing material shall be free from contamination such as grease, moisture, oxide, etc.
Where temporary or permanent backing is employed, the joint shall be arranged in such a way as to
ensure that complete fusion of the parts to be joined is readily obtained.
When it is necessary to prevent oxidation on the reverse side of a weld, then purging using a suitable
gas supply should normally be carried out. This is where a gas with a defined purity or gas mixture, in
accordance with EN ISO 14175, compatible with the parent and weld metal, is passed under the weld
root. The purpose is to prevent contamination by the atmosphere, principally oxygen, which can lead to
unacceptable imperfections in the weld and/or a reduction of corrosion resistance.
Where purging of the root area is to be carried out, the duration of purging prior to welding should be
sufficient to ensure that the level of root oxidation (discoloration) is less or equal as required by the

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 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

design specification. The prepurge time will depend principally on gas flow rate, volume to be purged
and, depending of purging gas density on the injection point.
Where maximum allowable oxygen levels are specified, then it will be necessary to use an oxygen
analyser of suitable sensitivity to measure the oxygen content of the exit gas. As a guideline it is
suggested that ten volume changes be made before commencing welding.
Gas purging should be maintained for sufficient duration to ensure that the finished weld underside
surface oxidation level is acceptable.

8 Quality requirements of welds

Welded joints shall be free from imperfections that would impair the service performance of the
construction. Acceptance levels shall be in accordance with the application standard where it exists. If
no application standard exists acceptance levels shall be determined on EN ISO 5817.
Special quality requirements for stainless steels may be taken into account, such as appearance and
corrosion resistance, and shall be specified.

9 Distortion
Distortion in a weldment results from non-uniform expansion and contraction of weld metal and
adjacent parent metal during welding. In austenitic stainless steel this phenomenon is much more
pronounced than in unalloyed steel due to a larger expansion coefficient and a lower thermal
conductivity.
There are various practical ways of minimizing distortion such as:
— minimizing the weld metal volume;

— balanced (double sided) joint welding;

— reduced heat input;

— reduced numbers of weld layers;

— backstep welding;

— preset of the parts to be welded;

— jigs and mechanical restraints;

— tack welding;

— heat sinks.

Care should be taken that the methods chosen do not have a deleterious effect on the properties of the
welds and the overall structure.

10 Post-weld cleaning
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel weldments is significantly affected by their surface condition.
The degree of post weld cleaning necessary depends upon the weld quality requirements and should be
as required by the design specification.
Post weld cleaning can be carried out by several processes, either separately or in combination, for
example:

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EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

— Brushing: Dedicated wire brushes made with stainless steel bristles or other compatible material
should be used. This technique cannot be used, in general, to remove adherent contaminants. Care
should be taken when using mechanical rotary brushing as this may deform the surface giving
microcracks which will reduce corrosion resistance. It may be necessary to follow brushing with a
pickling operation.

— Blasting: This technique is used for removal of adherant contaminants and also to give residual
compressive stresses in the surface. Recommended blasting media include glass and stainless steel
shot. These shall be free from iron or carbon steel contamination.

— Grinding: Dedicated iron free and chloride free grinding discs, belts or wheels should be used.
Excessive grinding with generating heat should be avoided to prevent damage to the surface and
thinning of the parent metal. The technique is used to remove heavy surface contaminants and to
blend the weld smoothly into the parent metal.

— Pickling: Pickling removes surface oxides or surface layers of the steel by chemical reaction. An
acid medium is used whose composition is dependent on the type of steel, pickling temperature
and time. Careful removal of all pickling products shall be carried out. After pickling a passivation is
necessary to generate the passive layer.

— Electro-polishing: This is used, generally, on nonstabilized stainless steels to give a smooth surface
for optimum corrosion resistance.

For optimum corrosion resistance the most effective cleaning processes are pickling and electro-
polishing, followed by a natural or induced passivation treatment.

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 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

Annex A
(informative)

Welding of austenitic stainless steels

A.1 General
A.1.1 Chemical composition

The chemical compositions of typical austenitic stainless steels are listed in EN 10088-1. These steels
generally contain a minimum of 16,5 % chromium, with sufficient nickel and/or manganese, carbon and
nitrogen to produce an austenitic microstructure. They may also contain additions of other elements
such as molybdenum, nitrogen, titanium, niobium, copper, silicon, or sulphur to improve specific
properties such as corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, or for machinability, etc.
A.1.2 Microstructure

The microstructures of austenitic stainless steels are governed by the balance of ferrite and austenite
stabilizing elements, the principal ferrite stabilizing elements are chromium, molybdenum and silicon,
while the principal austenite stabilizing elements are nickel, manganese, carbon and nitrogen. The
structure which will form in the weld metal may be predicted from the balance of ferrite and austenite
stabilizing elements, using e.g. a Schaeffler, DeLong, W.R.C. or ESPY diagram.
Austenitic stainless steels consist of an austenitic matrix which, in certain grades, may contain small
quantities of delta ferrite, the amount of ferrite increasing during welding without the addition of a filler
metal. Other grades are fully austenitic and contain no ferrite, even after welding.
Austenitic stainless steels are usually supplied in the solution annealed condition, which involves
heating to approximately 1 050 °C, or higher, followed by rapid cooling to room temperature. Annealing
results in softening of the steel and minimizes the delta ferrite content, so that even steels which form
delta ferrite during welding will generally contain virtually no ferrite in the annealed condition.
A.1.3 Types of austenitic stainless steel

A.1.3.1 Standard austenitic stainless steels

Most of the standard austenitic stainless steels are not fully austenitic but may form a small amount of
delta ferrite after welding without the addition of a filler metal. The standard stainless steels in this
category are still referred to as austenitic stainless steels, even when a small amount of ferrite is
present, e.g. EN 10088-1 grades 1.4301, 1.4401, 1.4436.
The carbon content of the standard austenitic stainless steels is normally less than 0,06 %.
In order to minimize the formation of chromium carbides during welding, low carbon (<0,03 %)
versions of many standard grades are produced, which also after welding are resistant against
corrosion, e.g. EN 10088-1 grades 1.4307, 1.4404, 1.4432.
Similar high corrosion resistance of standard grades may be obtained either through the additions of
titanium, or niobium/tantalum, which combine with carbon, preventing the formation of chromium
carbides during welding. These grades are referred to as 'stabilized' austenitic stainless steel,
e.g. EN 10088-1 grades 1.4541, 1.4550, 1.4571.

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EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

A.1.3.2 Fully austenitic stainless steels

The compositional balance of these steels is adjusted to obtain specific properties such as low magnetic
permeability (non-magnetic), increased corrosion resistance, or high temperature creep/oxidation
resistance, resulting in a fully austenitic structure at all times, e.g. EN 10088-1 grade 1.4335. Due to
their high toughness at low temperatures, fully austenitic steels may also be used for cryogenic
applications.
The risk of solidification cracking during welding is increased in these steels.
Superaustenitic and enhanced corrosion resistant grades belong to the fully austenitic family. These
steels contain increased chromium contents and additions of other elements, including molybdenum
and nitrogen for increased resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, and copper for enhanced acid
corrosion resistance. An increased nickel content is added, to stabilize a fully austenitic structure. These
steels possess an extremely high corrosion resistance and require particular care during welding, to
maintain the high corrosion resistance of the parent metal, e.g. EN 10088-1 grades 1.4539, 1.4547.
A.1.3.3 Other variations with improved properties

Other austenitic stainless steels exist in which the chemical composition has been adjusted to improve
specific properties. Depending on the actual chemical composition, each of these grades belong in one of
the above mentioned categories (A.1.3.1 and A.1.3.2) and should be welded with similar precautions.
a) Nitrogen alloyed austenitic steels with high proof strength. These steels contain small additions of
nitrogen (up to 0,45 %), resulting in an increase in proof strength (0,2 %). The nitrogen may be
added to both normal and low carbon grades of stainless steel. Nitrogen is an austenite stabilizing
element and may result in a reduction in delta ferrite content during welding.

b) Heat resistant austenitic steels. Steels for use at high temperatures may contain increased
chromium and/or silicon contents, to provide enhanced oxidation resistance. Additions of
molybdenum, nitrogen, aluminium, carbon, rare earth elements, titanium and/or niobium may also
be made to increase high temperature properties.

c) Austenitic steels with improved machinability. Improved machining grades contain increased
sulphur contents (up to 0,35 %) and/or additions of other elements such as calcium or selenium
and, consequently, generally exhibit reduced weldability and corrosion resistance.

A.2 Welding aspects

A.2.1 Welding details

All of the common welding processes listed in EN 1011-1 are suitable for welding austenitic stainless
steels.
Heat input should be low to reduce the risk of distortion, hot cracking and sensitization or intermetallic
precipitation.
Preheat should be avoided when welding austenitic stainless steels as the additional heat input will
increase the risk of distortion, hot cracking, sensitization and intermetallic precipitation.
Edge preparations for welding are similar to those used for carbon steels, although different angles and
root gaps may be used.
When welding thin tubes or plate, a weld may be possible by fusing the joint edges together, without
filler metal.

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A.2.2 Welding consumables

All consumables should be selected in accordance with the manufacturer's/supplier's

recommendations.
Where required, filler metals/rods should be selected in accordance with EN ISO 3581, EN ISO 14343,
EN ISO 14174 or EN ISO 17633.
Consumables for standard austenitic stainless steels are generally designed to result in a ferrite content
of between 3 FN and 15 FN in the as-deposited fusion zone, to resist hot cracking.
The diagrams according to Schaeffler, De Long, W.R.C. or ESPY may be used to determine if the
consumable will provide the correct ferrite content, taking dilution effects into account.
Fully austenitic stainless steels are non magnetic. The presence of delta ferrite in the austenite results in
a small degree of magnetism and this characteristic is used to measure the proportion of ferrite in the
weld metal, after welding.
The chemical composition of the welding consumable is usually slightly over-alloyed with respect to the
parent metal, to optimize corrosion resistance by compensating for alloy losses, segregation effects,
inclusions and surface imperfections inherent in the weld metal.
Fully austenitic stainless steels require the use of approximately similar or slightly over-alloyed
consumables and are susceptible to hot cracking. The precautions indicated in A.3.1 should, therefore,
be followed. The consumables may contain increased manganese contents, to minimize the risk of hot
cracking.
Nickel - based consumables are generally used for superaustenitic steels.
Shielding gases for TIG welding are usually argon, argon-hydrogen, argon-helium or combinations of
these gases, in accordance with EN ISO 14175.
The addition of either hydrogen or helium to argon (in accordance with EN ISO 14175), will often allow
faster welding speeds, while the reducing nature of hydrogen bearing gases can also result in cleaner
welds.
Shielding gases for MIG/MAG welding of austenitic stainless steels should be selected in accordance
with EN ISO 14175, as a wide choice is now available.

A.3 Consequences of welding

A.3.1 Cracking

Due to their inherently high ductility and toughness, austenitic stainless steels rarely suffer from 'cold'
cracking after welding.
Some austenitic stainless steel weldments, however, can be susceptible to hot cracking, which includes
cracking during solidification (solidification cracks) and cracking in the heat affected zone of the weld
metal or parent metal (liquation cracks). This cracking is associated with impurity elements, such as
sulphur and phosphorous, segregating to interdendritic regions and grain boundaries to form low
melting point phases. Contraction forces during cooling of the weld metal can pull the liquid films apart
to produce a crack.
Solidification mode has a great influence on resistance to hot cracking. Austenitic stainless steels can
solidify as ferrite, austenite or a mixture of these phases, depending on composition. Ferritic
solidification results in a much lower sensitivity to hot cracking. The chemical composition of the
standard austenitic stainless steel, therefore, is generally balanced to provide ferritic solidification,
resulting in a ferrite content of ≥ 3 FN and a reduced risk of solidification cracking (see EN ISO 8249 for
measurement of ferrite content).

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EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

Hot cracking also depends on welding conditions. A fast travel speed produces teardrop shaped weld
pools, encouraging centreline segregation of impurity elements and increasing the risk of cracking. A
balance between the current and travel speed is necessary to obtain the optimum welding conditions.
Further recommendations for avoiding hot cracking include the following.
a) For standard austenitic stainless steels, select consumables to given a ferrite content of between
3 FN and 15 FN in the weld deposit.

b) For fully austenitic stainless steels, select consumables with low impurity levels and increased
manganese contents.

c) Ensure optimum cleanliness.

d) Reduce restraint on the joint.

e) Use low heat inputs and avoid wide weld pools.

f) Reduce interpass temperature (maximum 150 °C).

g) Reduce travel speed.

h) The width to depth ratio of the weld pool should be between approximately 1 and 1,5.

Fully austenitic stainless steels are more susceptible to solidification cracking, due to their solidification
mode. When welding these steels, therefore, it is necessary to include as many of the above precautions
as possible, except a).
A.3.2 Mechanical properties

The proof and tensile strength of welds in austenitic stainless steels are generally similar to, or greater
than, those of the parent metal. Ductility may be slightly reduced but remains excellent. Post weld heat
treatment (PWHT), therefore, is not usually necessary.
Weld ductility and toughness may be impaired if significant amounts of intermetallic precipitates such
as sigma phase and chi phase are formed. This usually occurs only in steels with a high chromium,
molybdenum and silicon content, when high heat inputs are used. High heat inputs, therefore, should be
avoided with the more highly alloyed austenitic stainless steels.
A.3.3 Corrosion resistance

A.3.3.1 Sensitization or weld decay

Good corrosion resistance depends on a uniform distribution of the elements chromium and
molybdenum in the parent and weld metal. Any sensitization by carbides and nitrides, or precipitation
of intermetallic phases, such as sigma, which could locally result in chromium and/or molybdenum-
depletion, should be avoided. The risk of sensitization is minimized by using low carbon grades
(≤0,030 %) or by using stabilized (titanium, niobium/tantalum) steels and consumables.
Contamination of the weld and heat affected zone (HAZ) should be avoided, to eliminate the risk of
carbon and nitrogen pickup. Shielding gases containing more than 2,5 % CO2 should, therefore, by
avoided, unless specifically recommended by the consumable manufacturer/supplier.
To reduce the risk of intermetallic precipitation during welding, the heat input and interpass
temperature should be kept low.

14
 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

A.3.3.2 Stress corrosion

Stress corrosion cracking can occur in austenitic stainless steels when they are exposed to
combinations of adverse conditions, including certain aggressive media (such as halide solutions),
elevated temperatures and applied tensile stress. The residual stresses from welding or grinding can
often be sufficient to cause this form of attack, if the environmental criteria are also unfavourable. It is
advisable, therefore, to ensure that residual stresses are minimized in fabrications which may be
susceptible to this form of attack.
Resistance to stress corrosion may be increased significantly by using ferritic or duplex grades and
superaustenitic steels with high nickel contents (standard ferritic stainless steel grades will, however,
exhibit reduced resistance to general corrosion).
A.3.4 Distortion

Due to their increased thermal expansion and reduced thermal conductivity, compared to carbon steels,
austenitic stainless steels are significantly more susceptible to distortion than carbon steels, or other
stainless steels. Recommendations for minimizing distortion are given in Clause 9.

A.4 Post-weld treatment

A.4.1 Heat treatment

Post weld heat treatment (PWHT) is not generally necessary for austenitic stainless steels. Heat
treatment may sometimes be necessary, however, for stress-relief after cold deformation, for
minimization of ferrite content or to minimize segregation/precipitation for optimum corrosion
resistance. Such treatments generally require full solution annealing and therefore require careful
consideration due to the risk of distortion, sagging and oxidation. Where full solution annealing cannot
be carried out low temperature stress relief at about 450 °C may be of benefit in relieving residual
stresses and minimizing distortion.
A.4.2 Cleaning

To restore the corrosion resistance of the weldment, it is necessary to remove any surface
contamination produced by the welding process.
Recommendations for the post-weld cleaning are given in Clause 10.

15
EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

Annex B
(informative)

Welding of ferritic stainless steels

B.1 General
B.1.1 Chemical composition

The ferritic stainless steels according to EN 10088-1 generally contain between 10,5 % and 30 %
chromium and up to 0,08 % carbon. Some types also contain one or more of the following elements: up
to 4,5 % molybdenum, 1,6 % nickel, 2,1 % aluminium and titanium, niobium/tantalum or zirconium for
stabilization. In certain grades the levels of carbon and nitrogen are kept very low (ELI-ferritics).
B.1.2 Microstructure

Depending on the ratio of ferrite and austenite forming elements, the microstructure of these steels
consists of ferrite (fully ferritic) or of ferrite with amounts of martensite (semi-ferritic). Detailed
information will be given by the supplier or the manufacturer of the steel.
The fully ferritic structure is susceptible to grain growth at temperatures above about 950 °C. This
results in decreased toughness. Refining by heat treatment is not possible.
The grain growth is less pronounced in stabilized ferritic stainless steels and least pronounced in semi-
ferritic stainless steels. The extent of the grain growth depends on the highest temperature, on the time
at temperature and on the number of welding runs. Therefore welded parts of fully ferritic stainless
steels provide adequate service only for a thin wall thickness (approximately max. 2,5 mm).
Welds in thick section semi-ferritic stainless steels show improved toughness over the fully ferritic
grades. Even when cooled rapidly from welding temperature chromium carbides precipitate in the
parent metal and the matching weld metal. These precipitates reduce the ductility and the resistance to
intergranular corrosion by local chromium depletion. This depletion can be avoided, if the parent metal
and the matching weld metal have a very low carbon content or preferably if stabilized by titanium,
niobium/tantalum or zirconium.
Intermetallic precipitates, e.g. sigma phase, can form in steels with (chromium + molybdenum) greater
than approximately 22 % in the temperature range of about 550 °C to 850 °C, leading to room-
temperature embrittlement and in some cases reduced corrosion resistance. By heating in the range of
900 °C to 1 000 °C and subsequent rapid cooling to room temperature the sigma phase can be brought
into solution.
475 °C-embrittlement may occur in steels with chromium greater than 15 % in the temperature range
of about 400 °C to 450 °C, giving a loss of ductility. The embrittlement can be removed by heating to
approximately 540 °C and subsequent rapid cooling to room temperature.

B.2 Welding aspects

B.2.1 Welding details

Ferritic stainless steels can be welded using manual metal arc welding (MMA welding)(111), metal-arc
inert gas welding (MIG welding)(131), metal-arc active gas welding (MAG welding)(135), tungsten inert
gas welding (TIG welding)(141) and plasma arc welding (15).

16
 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

Other welding processes, e.g. electron beam welding (51), laser welding (52), high-frequency resistance
welding (29), may be used by agreement.
Ferritic stainless steels are susceptible to excessive grain growth. Therefore welding heat input should
be kept low, e.g. small weld pool, faster travel speeds.
Preheating to 200 °C to 300 °C may be used for semi-ferritic grades with a thickness over 3 mm.
Interpass temperature should be in the same range.
The pick-up of carbon and nitrogen during welding should be kept as low as possible, e.g. clean weld
area, short arc length.
B.2.2 Welding consumables

Austenitic welding consumables are preferred because of the higher ductility of the austenitic weld
metal compared with matching compositions of the parent metal. Considering corrosion resistance, the
chromium content of the weld deposit should not be less than that of the parent metal. If there is a
danger of sulphur pick-up during service, the layer that is in contact with this environment should be
welded with a ferritic stainless or ferritic-austenitic stainless consumable.
Ferritic stainless consumables are also chosen where similar thermal expansion, similar surface colour
of welds or nickel-free welds are required.
TIG-welding can be carried out either with or without filler metal.
Covered electrodes should be re-baked before welding, if necessary, in accordance with the
manufacturer's/supplier's recommendations.
Shielding gases should be argon-based mixtures, e.g. M 13 according to EN ISO 14175, and not
containing CO2, hydrogen and/or nitrogen.

B.3 Consequences of welding

B.3.1 Cracking

Hot cracking in ferritic stainless steels is not normally a problem.

The weldment of these steels may be susceptible to the following:
a) Cold cracking due to low toughness. In sections over 3 mm thickness (semi-ferritic) the weld zone
may be preheated in the range 200 °C to 300 °C and conditions of high restraint should be avoided.

b) Hydrogen embrittlement (hydrogen induced cracking) should be avoided, therefore care should be
taken to keep the hydrogen content as low as possible.

B.3.2 Mechanical properties

The proof stress and tensile strength of the weld metal of austenitic and ferritic consumables should
match the requirements of the parent metal. Semi-ferritic stainless steels of low ductility shall be
preheated in the range 200 °C to 300 °C prior to cold forming.
B.3.3 Corrosion resistance

Ferritic stainless steels suffer from intergranular corrosion, unless the chromium-depletion is avoided
by extremely low contents of carbon and nitrogen, by stabilization (by titanium, niobium/tantalum or
zirconium) or by annealing at temperatures between 750 °C and 800 °C. Ferritic stainless steels with
chromium in the lower range and without nickel exhibit a unstable passive film in many chemical
agents. For less aggressive conditions their corrosion resistance may be sufficient.

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EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

B.3.4 Distortion

Ferritic stainless steels have a higher thermal conductivity and a lower thermal expansion coefficient
than the austenitic stainless steels, hence distortion problems are not as pronounced.

B.4 Post-weld treatment

B.4.1 Heat treatment

Annealing after welding in the range 700 °C to 800 °C generally improves the ductility of HAZ and
matching weld metals and reduces residual stresses. Such treatment will also restore the intergranular
corrosion resistance of nonstabilized ferritic steels.
B.4.2 Finishing

To restore the corrosion resistance of the weldment, it is necessary to remove any surface
contaminations produced by the welding process.
Recommendations for post-weld cleaning are given in Clause 10.

18
 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

Annex C
(informative)

Welding of austenitic-ferritic stanless steels

C.1 General
C.1.1 General

Austenitic-ferritic stainless steels, generally termed duplex stainless steels, are employed for their
strength and corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in the temperature range of −50 °C to
+250 °C.
C.1.2 Chemical composition

The duplex steels according to EN 10088-1 generally contain 21 % to 28 % chromium, 3,5 % to 8,0 %
nickel, 0,1 % to 4,5 % molybdenum and 0,05 % to 0,35 % nitrogen. Some of them also contain copper
and tungsten.
C.1.3 Microstructure

Duplex stainless steels consist of a ferritic matrix with approximately 45 % to 60 % austenite. This
structure is achieved by solution annealing at around 1 020 °C to 1 100 °C, depending on grade,
followed by rapid cooling.
C.1.4 Types of austenitic – ferritic stainless steel

C.1.4.1 Low alloyed

The low alloyed duplex stainless steels, e.g. EN 10088-1 grade 1.4362, are characterized by a very low
molybdenum content. Their main application area is to replace common austenitic stainless steels
where these may suffer from stress corrosion cracking.
C.1.4.2 Medium alloyed

The most commonly used duplex stainless steels, e.g. EN 10088-1 grade 1.4462, are the molybdenum
and nickel containing medium alloyed grades. These are general purpose steels used mainly for
chemical, petrochemical and offshore applications.
C.1.4.3 High alloyed

The high alloyed duplex stainless steels, e.g. EN 10088-1 grade 1.4410, contain higher chromium,
molybdenum and nitrogen contents, compared to the medium alloyed duplex stainless steels, and are
therefore used in severe corrosive environments.

C.2 Welding aspects

C.2.1 Welding details

The weldability of duplex stainless steels has been improved by optimization of the austenite-ferrite
balance and by the introduction of increased nitrogen contents. The risk of detrimental grain growth or
excessive amounts of ferrite in the HAZ after welding is low.

19
EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

All of the common arc welding processes listed in EN 1011-1 are suitable for welding duplex stainless
steels. Welding processes which are normally carried out without the addition of filler metal or which
give extremely rapid cooling, e.g. plasma arc, laser beam, electron beam and resistance welding, can
only be used if special precautions are taken.
Welding without filler metal is not recommended unless the joint is solution annealed after welding
followed by rapid cooling to room temperature. Welding without filler metal and without post-weld
heat treatment, can provide satisfactory properties if nitrogen-containing shielding gas is used to
improve austenite reformation.
Joint preparations should be according to EN ISO 9692-1 but for V-joints and double-V-joints it is
sometimes recommended to use a wider angle than for austenitic stainless steels in order to get good
penetration. When welding the root pass with TIG or MIG/MAG it is recommended to use a wider gap
than for austenitic steels, for the same reason.
Due to the high strength of duplex stainless steels, the distance between tack welds should be small.
Preheat is not necessary but can be used to maximum of 100 °C to remove moisture from the surface.
The heat input for duplex stainless steels shall be within certain limits. Too low a heat input leads to a
high cooling rate which may result in high ferrite levels. Too high a heat input can result in precipitation
of intermetallic phases. The low- and medium-alloyed types are normally welded with a heat input of
0,5 kJ/mm to 2,5 kJ/mm and an interpass temperature less than 250 °C. For the high-alloyed types the
heat input range is normally limited to 0,2 kJ/mm to 1,5 kJ/mm and a maximum interpass temperature
in the range of 100 °C to 150 °C. These figures give general recommendations, only, it is also necessary
to take into account the effect of the welding process and work piece thickness.
C.2.2 Welding consumables

To obtain the correct weld metal microstructure a filler metal overalloyed with nickel shall be used.
With such compositions the effect of both the rapid cooling after welding and high dilution of the parent
metal in the root run can be overcome.
For the low- and medium-alloyed types in aggressive corrosive environments a duplex filler metal
overalloyed with chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen can be used, e.g. a high alloyed duplex filler for
a medium alloyed duplex stainless steel.
All shielding gases will be selected in accordance with EN ISO 14175.
Recommended shielding gases for TIG and plasma arc welding are argon, argon-helium or argon up to
3 % nitrogen. Hydrogen bearing shielding gases should be avoided.
For MAG welding standard gases such as argon up to 2,5 % carbon dioxide, argon-helium-oxygen
mixtures, argon-helium-carbon dioxide mixtures or gases with the addition of up to 3 % nitrogen can be
used.
For flux cored wire metal arc welding reference should be made to the manufacturer’s
recommendations for further information on shielding gases.
Recommended backing gases where required, should be argon, argon-nitrogen mixtures or pure
nitrogen, or in special cases nitrogen/hydrogen mixtures.
For submerged arc welding rutile fluxes normally give low impact values. A more basic flux improves
impact toughness. A florid basic flux (FB), however, can lead to problems with slag removal.

20
 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

C.3 Consequences of welding

C.3.1 General

Duplex stainless steels with increased contents of chromium, molybdenum and tungsten result in
higher susceptibility to precipitation of intermetallic phases which may have detrimental effects on
mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
C.3.2 Cracking

Duplex stainless steels have a low sensitivity to hot cracking, due to their ferritic solidification mode.
Hydrogen in duplex weld metals can be responsible for delayed crack formation where the weld metal
has a very high ferrite level (>110 FN = approximately 75 % ferrite) and a high hydrogen level
combined with a high degree of restraint.
C.3.3 Mechanical properties

The strength of a duplex stainless steel weld metal always exceeds the minimum strength of the
corresponding parent metal.
For duplex all weld metals, the elongation values are often around 25 %.
For medium- and high- alloyed duplex weldments used in hydrogen sulphide containing media, there is
normally a demand on maximum hardness of 28 HRC (282 HV 30) for medium alloyed and 32 HRC
(318 HV 30) for high alloyed duplex stainless steels.
For most applications these maximum hardness restrictions can be satisfied. The highest hardness is
measured in the root area in thick single sided joints, due to the strain imparted by subsequent weld
runs.
The impact toughness in welds is lower than in the parent metal and depends mainly on the ferrite
level, welding process and consumables used.
C.3.4 Corrosion resistance

The corrosion resistance of duplex stainless steels is related to their microstructure and chemical
composition. They are generally used for their good pitting and stress corrosion cracking resistance.
It is important to use parent and filler metals which give a controlled and acceptable austenite-ferrite
balance both in the HAZ and in the weld metal. Acceptance properties are generally achieved where
ferrite contents of 30 FN to 100 FN are obtained.
Nitrogen is an essential alloying element for maximum corrosion resistance. Nitrogen loss can occur
during TIG and MIG/MAG welding. Welds made using covered electrodes and submerged arc welding,
do not tend to show this loss of nitrogen.
C.3.5 Distortion

Distortion during welding of duplex stainless steels is lower than that of austenitic stainless steels.
However, the duplex grades are more difficult to straighten after welding due to their high proof
strength (0,2 %).
C.3.6 Porosity

Duplex stainless steels with high nitrogen contents (>0,20 %) are more prone to the formation of
porosity during welding than standard austenitic stainless steels.
The possibility of porosity is increased when welding in the overhead position. In order to decrease this
problem, thin runs should be deposited and excessive arc lengths avoided.

21
EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

In order to increase pitting resistance, nitrogen can be added to the shielding gas. Application should be
restricted to appropriate regions of the joint (root and capping layer) to avoid excessive weld metal
nitrogen build up and porosity. Excessive shielding gas flow rates will also increase the risk of porosity.

C.4 Post-weld treatment

C.4.1 Heat treatment

Post weld heat treatment (PWHT) is normally not necessary for duplex stainless steels.
If post weld solution annealing is to be performed, the temperature should generally be 30 °C to 40 °C
higher than the solution annealing temperature recommended for the parent metal to dissolve
intermetallic phases. This should be followed by rapid quenching to room temperature.
C.4.2 Cleaning

The same technique can be used for duplex stainless steels as detailed in Clause 10.

22
 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

Annex D
(informative)

Welding of martensitic and martensitic-austenitic stainles steels

D.1 General
D.1.1 Chemical composition

The martensitic stainless steels, according to EN 10088-1, generally contain between 13 % and 17 %
chromium with up to 4 % nickel and up to 1,0 % carbon. They can be divided into three different types
according to their chemical composition.
D.1.2 Types of martensitic and martensitic-austenitic stainless steel

D.1.2.1 Martensitic stainless steels

The martensitic stainless grades are fully martensitic at room temperature and are therefore very hard
and brittle. Tempering is required to give some ductility and toughness, with a consequential reduction
of tensile strength.
D.1.2.2 Martensitic-austenitic stainless steels

Grades with less than 0,1 % carbon have a structure consisting of 5 % to 25 % austenite in the
martensitic matrix. As a result, lower strength and hardness and improved ductility are achieved.
D.1.2.3 Precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steels

The martensitic grades can be strengthened by nearly 50 % by the addition of copper, titanium,
niobium, aluminium and molybdenum to give precipitation hardening, it is usual in these steels to
reduce the carbon content below 0,1 %. The steels therefore consist of a tempered martensitic matrix
with precipitates usually achieved by a double heat treatment after quenching. Various strengths can be
achieved by altering the ageing conditions.

D.2 Welding aspects

Generally tungsten inert gas welding (TIG welding (141)) and manual metal-arc welding (MMA
welding) (111) are the only processes used. However, for certain specialized applications, plasma arc
welding (15), metal-arc inert gas welding (MIG welding (131))/ metal-arc active gas welding (MAG
welding (135)), submerged arc welding (12) and other processes may be used.
All grades may be welded using austenitic consumables or matching consumables. If austenitic
consumables are used, the weld metal will undermatch the parent metal in strength.
Normal heat inputs (e.g. 0,5 kJ/mm to 1,5 kJ/mm for manual metal-arc welding) should be used and
excessively high or excessively low heat inputs should be avoided.
a) Martensitic stainless steels:

Preheat is required for steel grades with greater than 0,1 % carbon and typically preheats in the
range 200 °C to 300 °C should be used depending on joint geometry and stress levels. Higher
preheats may be required for thick sections and highly stressed joints.

23
EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

High carbon contents make the steel air hardening. For carbon content up to 0,2 % welding may be
followed by slow cooling. Above 0,2 % carbon a post weld anneal is required. If the weld is to be
hardened and tempered immediately after welding, then post weld annealing can be omitted

b) Martensitic-austenitic stainless steels:

Preheat is not required for thin sections ≤ 8 mm, for thicker sections preheat in the range 100 °C to
200 °C may be required. Matching filler metals are often used.

c) Precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steels:

The precipitation hardening martensitic stainless grades are normally welded using matching
consumables. Austenitic consumables may be used, but full strength cannot be achieved. When
using austenitic consumables preheat is not required, due to the generally low carbon contents
(less than 0,1 %), and the fact that full strength is not achieved by the transformation to martensitic
during cooling.

D.3 Consequences of welding

D.3.1 Cracking

Hot cracking in martensitic stainless steels is not normally a problem, however, cleanliness is still
important.
Cold cracking susceptibility is a function of hydrogen level, stress, cooling rate, chemical composition
and for martensitic-austenitic grades, the percentage of martensite present. The cracking sensitivity
increases with increasing carbon content. Low carbon grades, i.e. the martensitic-austenitic grades are
less sensitive to cold cracking and hence may be welded without preheat.
Preheating can be applied to avoid cold cracking and may need to be supplemented by post weld
annealing, depending on the alloy.
The use of austenitic consumables significantly reduces the hydrogen cracking risk, due to the higher
hydrogen solubility of the austenite.
D.3.2 Mechanical properties

During welding, quenching and tempering effects occur in the weld and HAZ, giving a variety of
properties. In the HAZ and in martensitic weld metals, the structures as welded will be largely
untempered martensite, with a few small areas of tempering from subsequent weld runs. For the
martensitic-austenitic grades some austenite is retained giving lower strength than the martensitic
grades.
D.3.3 Corrosion resistance

Corrosion resistance is generally lower than that of the austenitic grades. The martensitic grades suffer
from crevice and pitting corrosion, although this is improved for those grades with added molybdenum.
These steels are not usually used in highly corrosive environments but are often selected for wear and
cavitation resistance. The corrosion resistance of the martensitic- austenitic grades is improved over
the martensitic grades.
D.3.4 Distortion

The martensitic stainless steels have generally higher thermal conductivity and a lower expansion
coefficient than the austenitics, hence distortion problems are not as pronounced.

24
 EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

D.4 Post-weld treatment

D.4.1 Heat treatment

Martensitic stainless grades if welded with austenitic consumables do not normally require PWHT. If
matching consumables are used, then post weld heat treatment is required to obtain optimum
properties. When required it should be done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the
parent metal.
Martensitic-austenitic stainless grades do not generally require PWHT to develop optimum mechanical
properties. Precipitation hardening grades are normally welded in the solution treated condition. If a
matching filler is used, heat treatment is normally a solution treatment and quenching process followed
by age hardening. This should be carried out as per the manufacturer’s/supplier’s recommendations
D.4.2 Cleaning

Pickling of precipitation hardened or high carbon content steels is not recommended due to the
difficulty of achieving a good surface finish.

25
EN 1011-3:2018 (E)

Bibliography

[1] EN 1011-1, Welding — Recommendations for welding of metallic materials — Part 1: General
guidance for arc welding

[2] EN 10088-1, Stainless steels — Part 1: List of stainless steels

[3] EN ISO 3581, Welding consumables — Covered electrodes for manual metal arc welding of
stainless and heat-resisting steels — Classification (ISO 3581)

[4] EN ISO 8249, Welding — Determination of Ferrite Number (FN) in austenitic and duplex ferritic-
austenitic Cr-Ni stainless steel weld metals (ISO 8249)

[5] EN ISO 9692-1, Welding and allied processes — Types of joint preparation — Part 1: Manual metal
arc welding, gas-shielded metal arc welding, gas welding, TIG welding and beam welding of steels
(ISO 9692-1)

[6] EN ISO 14174, Welding consumables — Fluxes for submerged arc welding and electroslag welding
— Classification (ISO 14174)

[7] EN ISO 14343, Welding consumables — Wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires and rods for arc
welding of stainless and heat resisting steels — Classification (ISO 14343)

[8] EN ISO 17633, Welding consumables — Tubular cored electrodes and rods for gas shielded and
non-gas shielded metal arc welding of stainless and heat-resisting steels — Classification (ISO
17633)

26