Reduction of weld decay effect of stainless steels used in medical and food sector that weld by TIG process.

This study discusses the reduction of weld decay problem in Austenitic Stainless Steels (AISI 304) used in medical and food sector that weld by TIG process. Currently, weld decay problem is being eliminated by proposing heat treatment, low carbon content or stabilized stainless steels. But, these methods have some limitations due to welding size, type or location of the part to be welded. In this work, a new approach has been proposed by using copper block which is placed under the welding joint. Water was passed thoroughly from the internal holes of the copper block to decrease the temperature of the welding base metal. It is aimed to shorten the time required to formation of sensitization and not give enough time for the interaction of carbon with chromium which leads to hindering weld decay.