Microstructure and properties of superplastic welding between 40Cr and CrWMn steels

Superplastic welding of tool steel and structural steel was investigated. The welding between 40Cr and CrWMn steels was carried out under the conditions of temperature 750 similar to 780 degreesC, strain rate 2x10(-4) s(-1), compressive stress 50 similar to 90 MPa for 3 similar to5 min. The joints show similar strength to that of 40Cr steel and the good metallurgical joining is formed. The structural change occurring during superplastic welding was analyzed by metallography and distribution of carbon content in the vicinity of the welding joint was also determined. The mechanism of superplastic welding for steels is proposed to be the disappearance of original bond interfaces caused by atomic diffusion and the grain sliding.