Microstructural characterization of ER 80S-D2 on AISI H13 hot work tool steel using DP-GMAW processes

This study presents the microstructural characterization of weld overlays in AISI H13 hot work tool steel. Gas metal arc welding with double pulsed current (DP-GMAW) was used to apply claddings on plates with ER 80S-D2 filler wire. The effect of voltage on the welding process is analyzed. The microstructure of the welded joints was characterized using optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples were analyzed by EDS to identify precipitates and secondary phases present in the cladding and in the heat affected zone (HAZ). The results showed that a higher voltage produced a larger HAZ because the heat input was greater. The HAZ exhibited 2 areas of interest, the HAZ of high temperature (HT) and the HAZ of low temperature (LT). Whereas in the HAZ LT, the isothermal tempering produced a growth in martensite that causes a drop in hardness of 40%.