WELDING

HAYNES HR-120 alloy is readily weldable by Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG), Gas Metal Arc (MIG), and
Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW) welding processes. Many of the alloys welding characteristics are similar to
those for the HASTELLOY alloys and the same precautions apply. Submerged Arc Welding is not
recommended as this process is characterized by high heat input which could result in distortion and hot
cracking. Any start/stop cracking should be removed by grinding prior to further welding. Do not attempt
to remelt or wash-out welding cracks.
Base Metal Preparation
The joint surface and adjacent area should be thoroughly cleaned before welding. All grease, oil, crayon
marks, sulfur compounds and other foreign matter should be removed. It is preferable, but not mandatory
that the alloy be in the solution-annealed condition when welded.
Filler Metal Selection
HAYNES 556TM filler metal and MULTIMET coated electrodes are recommended for joining HR-120
alloy. When dissimilar base metals are to be joined, such as HR-120 alloy to a stainless steel, HAYNES 556
filler metal and MULTIMET coated electrodes are again recommended.
Preheating, Interpass Temperatures and Post-Weld Heat Treatment
Preheat should not be used so long as the base metal to be welded is above 32F (0C). Interpass
temperatures should be less than 200F (95C). Auxiliary cooling methods may be used between weld
passes, as needed, providing that such methods do not introduce contaminants. Post-weld heat treatment is
not normally required for HR-120 alloy.
Nominal Welding Parameters
Nominal welding parameters are provided as a guide for performing typical operations. These are based on
welding conditions used in our laboratory and should be considered only as a guideline.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Electrode
Arc
Welding
Diameter, in. (mm) Voltage, volts Current, amps
3/32 (2.4)
1/8 (3.2)
5/32 (4.0)
3/16 (4.8)

22-24
22-24
22-25
24-26

55-75
80-100
125-150
150-180

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Joint
Thickness,
Tungsten Electrode* Diameter, Filler Wire
Welding
in.
(mm)
in.
(mm)
Diameter, in. Current, amps Arc Voltage, volts
1/32-1/16 (0.8-1.6)
1/16-1/8 (1.6-3.2)
1/8-1/4 (3.2-6.4)
>1/4
(6.4)

1/16
1/16 or 3/32
3/32-1/8
3/32-1/8

(1.6)
(1.6 or 2.4)
(2.4 or 3.2)
(2.4 or 3.2)

*2% Thoriated tungsten

Shielding gas 100% Argon, flow rate~25 ft3/hr (12 L/min)

1/16
1/16 or 3/32
3/32 or 1/8
3/32 or 1/8

15-60
50-95
75-130
95-150

9-12
9-12
10-13
10-13

Gas Metal Arc Welding

Short
Circuitng
Transfer

Wire Diameter,
in. (mm)

Shielding*
Gas

Welding
Current, amps

Arc Voltage, volts

Travel Speed
in. (mm)/min.

0.035 (0.9)
0.045 (1.1)

75%Ar-25%He
75%Ar-25%He

70-90
100-150

18-20
19-22

8-10 (200-250)
8-10 (200-250)

*Flow Rate~35 cu. ft./hr. (16 L/min)

POLARITY: SMAW and GMAW-DCRP-Electrode Positive
GTAW DCSP-Electrode Negative

Tensile Properties of 556 Weld Metal (GMAW)

Test Temperature

Ultimate
Tensile
Strength

Yield Strength
at 0.2% Offset

Elongation
in 2 in. (50.8mm)

Ksi

MPa

Ksi

Mpa

Room
1200
1400
1600
1800

Room
650
760
870
980

115.4
81.0
66.3
40.2
24.0

795
560
455
270
165

77.2
53.3
49.5
36.8
23.6

530
380
340
255
165

37
39
26
34
30

Tensile Properties of 556 Weld Metal (GMAW) vs. HR-120 Plate

Restrained 1/2 inch thick HR-120 plates have been successfully joined using 556TM weld wire and
MULTIMET coated electrodes. The results below indicate an absence of hot cracking and microfissuring
related weldability problems under the test conditions.

Welding
Process

Welding
Product

Hot
Cracking

GTAW
GMAW
SMAW

556 Filler Metal

556 Filler Metal
MULTIMET Electrodes

None
None
None

2T Radius Guided
Bend Test
Face
Side
Pass
Pass
Pass

Pass
Pass
Pass

Room Temperature Tensile Strength of Transverse Welded Specimens

Welding
Process

Welding
Product

GTAW
GMAW
SMAW

556 Filler Metal

556 Filler Metal
MULTIMET Electrodes

HAYNES HR-120 alloy

Principal Features
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Stability
Environmental Resistance
Typical Physical Properties

Tensile Strength
Ksi MPa
111.0
109.4
109.7

Welding
Machining and Grinding
Applications
Comparative Data
Availability
Acknowledgments

765
755
755

Fracture Location
HR-120 Base Metal
HR-120 Base Metal
HR-120 Base Metal

Health and Safety

HR-120 alloy Trademark
Applicable Specifications
Fabrication Guidelines
Request for Literature