A Study of Temper Bead Technique on A508 Steel Welds

The use of temper bead technique in an attempt to eliminate the conventional postweld heat treatment (PWHT) in welding of A508 steel with Alloy 52 filler metal was evaluated. A PWHT at 621°C for 24 h reduced hardness in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the conventional welds but led to forming a carbon-denuded zone near the weld interface. The temper bead welding process not only softened the hardness in the HAZ but also diminished the carbon-denuded zone of A508-Alloy 52 welds. Apparently, the temper bead technique provides a convenient and time- saving process for welding/repairing large structural components.