Improvement of solidification cracking susceptibility of electron beam weld metal of fully austenitic type 316 stainless steel

The effect of rare earth metals (REM) addition on the solidification cracking susceptibility of electron beam weld metals in fully austenitic Type 316 stainless steel was researched. The cracking susceptibility of this steel is put in order by REM and P or (P + S) content. Adding proper content of REM (about 0.25 % REM for 0.025 % P steel) is effective to improve the cracking susceptibility of this steel. However, the cracking susceptibility of this steel is deteriorated again by adding excess content of REM (about 0.37 % REM for 0.025 % P steel). Free P and S atoms being fixed as phosphides, oxyphosphides, sulfides and oxysulfides by REM atoms is the main reason why the cracking susceptibility of this steel is improved by adding REM. (author)