Heat treatment and post weld for steel and its alloys

Abstract EN

ost weld heat treatment (PWHT) defined as any heat treatment after welding, is often used to improve the properties of a weldment.

In concept, PWHT can encompass many different potential treatments.

PWHT can be used to reduce residual stresses, as a method of hardness control, or even to enhance material strength.

If PWHT is performed incorrectly, or neglected altogether, residual stresses can combine with load stresses to exceed a material’s design limitations.

This can lead to weld failures, higher cracking potential, and increased susceptibility to brittle fracture.