The weldability of modern niobium microalloyed structural steels

This paper focuses on the concept of weldability in the context of modern structural steels and contrasts where we are today with the situation in earlier decades. The increasing trend towards lower carbon levels has dramatically opened the door to more effective utilisation of the unique benefits that can be derived through the use of niobium microalloying and my paper addresses the question; “What are the implications for weldability, if any?” The structural segment of the global steel market is of increasing strategic importance and a thorough understanding of all the issues relating to the development of optimum and progressive specifications is essential if the full benefits of niobium microalloying are to be realised for the benefit of the world’s steelmakers and fabricators. This paper explores these issues. (AU) Copyright © 2015 Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM) All rights reserved