Weldability of Reinforced Cast Iron by Gas Metal Arc Welding

This research was carried out to study the weldability of fiber reinforced cast iron (FRCI) by employing the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) technique. The welding joints were assessed by measuring the tensile strength, hardness and by examination of the microstructure utilizing optical microscope at 1000x. Some specimens were preheated to 300˚ C for 10 minute and their results were compared with those of unpreheated specimens. The weld joints were cooled in air and sand thus giving various cooling rates leading to different mechanical properties. It was concluded that a higher cooling rate produces joints of higher strength and hardness with lower elongation. Preheating improves the strength and elongation and lowers the hardness. Quality index improves with preheating.