A comparative study of FCAW and SMAW processes was performed considering the mechanical and microstructural properties of high strength steel weld metals in the as welded and post weld heat treated (PWHT) conditions. The results showed that the welding procedures adopted for FCAW and SMAW processes produced satisfactory mechanical properties levels with exception of the percentage elongation for FCAW in the as welded condition. The impact test results show that both weld metals had good impact toughness in the as welded and PWHT conditions. It was observed that the FCAW weld metal showed lower impact toughness in relation to the SMAW weld metal in both conditions, being close to the lower acceptance limit of 50 joules at 0ºC for the PWHT condition. It was verified that the productivity offered by the FCAW process was about two times higher than that obtained by the SMAW process. The advantage inherent to the FCAW process must therefore be complimented by taking into consideration the overall mechanical properties obtained, thereby permitting an adequate selection of the most appropriate welding process, particularly when the structures operates under fatigue conditions.
High strength; Weld metal; Toughness
