WSWeldScopeInteractive welding engineering training
Materials and welding metallurgy

Microstructures

First examine morphology: polygonal grains, lamellae, needles/laths, carbide networks, and graphite flakes or nodules. Then relate the microstructure to properties: hardness, toughness, brittleness and cracking risk in the HAZ.

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Topic overview

First examine morphology: polygonal grains, lamellae, needles/laths, carbide networks, and graphite flakes or nodules. Then relate the microstructure to properties: hardness, toughness, brittleness and cracking risk in the HAZ.

What I see: Light polygonal ferrite grains with subtly darker grain boundaries.

Properties: A soft and ductile BCC phase with low hardness and high toughness.

What I see: Equiaxed grains with visible boundaries and occasional annealing twins.

What the module covers

  • Phases and microstructures of steels, weld metal and cast irons
  • How to learn from this module
  • Ferrite (α)
  • Austenite (γ)
  • Cementite (Fe₃C)
  • Pearlite
  • Coarse pearlite
  • Fine pearlite
Educational content does not replace current standards, approved WPS/WPQR documentation or decisions by competent welding coordination personnel.

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