Soldagem dissimilar de chapas finas de liga com memória de forma NiTi e aço inoxidável AISI 304 usando micro GTAW.

Abstract

Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) were discovered in the 60s and the development of various systems (NiTi, CuAlNi, CuAlBe, CuZnAl) has been explored since then, with those of the NiTi system the most commonly used. Due to its excellent mechanical properties, good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, in addition to having the best functional properties of shape memory effect and superelasticity, the NiTi SMA and its ternary variations have become the subject of studies for various applications in different areas. One of the main problems of NiTi SMA is also related to difficulties in forming and machining. For this reason, the welding process can be a good alternative tool to achieve more complex geometry parts, involving the union of NiTi SMA with conventional metals, such as stainless steel. Stainless steel is an important option for union with NiTi SMA, since it also has desired properties of mechanical strength, biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. The union by welding between these two alloys find various barriers, the main one being the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds on the welded joint, limiting its mechanical strength and consistent application. In this context, this study aimed to assess the weldability of thin sheet metal (1 mm thick) of a NiTi SMA with AISI 304 stainless steel (SS) using the micro process GTAW, and study the influence of welding metallurgy in mechanical and metallurgical properties of the joints. The GTAW process was chosen because it is more economical than the usual welding processes for these NiTi alloys such as the laser beam welding (LBW). The NiTi-SS dissimilar joints obtained were characterized by optical microscopy techniques, SEM, EDS, DSC, tensile test to rupture and Vickers hardness. These joints were welded using NiTi SMA and also the Inconel 625 as filler metals. Overall, it was found that the joints have brittle behavior, but when using an intermediate layer of Inconel 625 at the junction between dissimilar metals and after heat treatment for stress relief, it is possible to increase the mechanical strength of the joint for values in the order of 150MPa. The joints exhibited a heterogeneous molten weld pool due to formation of elements along the embrittlement of the weld metal. It was observed the formation of a partially diluted zone (PDZ) correlated to an excessive increase of the hardness in that region and different chemical composition.