Single-pass GTAW cladding of aluminum clad metal on SCM440 low-alloy steel surface

Gas tungsten arc welding was used to produce an aluminum clad metal (CM) on SCM440 steel, and the effect of GTAW heat input on the properties of the CM on the steel surface was investigated. Experimental results concluded that increasing the GTAW heat input increased the width and penetration but decreased the reinforcement height of the CM. Furthermore, increasing the heat input increased the dendrite arm width and spacing and decreased the aluminum content in the CM, resulting in a decrease in CM hardness. Microstructure examination revealed no defects or brittle intermetallic compound formation at any location of the CM and the interface between the CM and the heat-affected zone.