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Welder Red Seal · Question

A fabricator is asked to weld a component made of a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel with a carbon equivalent (CE) of 0.45. Which of the following statements best describes the primary metallurgical concern when welding this type of steel without proper precautions?

HSLA steels with higher carbon equivalents are prone to forming hard, brittle microstructures like martensite in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) if cooled rapidly.

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Question: A fabricator is asked to weld a component made of a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel with a carbon equivalent (CE) of 0.45. Which of the following statements best describes the primary metallurgical concern when welding this type of steel without proper precautions?

Answer options:

  • Increased susceptibility to hot cracking in the weld metal ✅ Formation of a brittle heat-affected zone (HAZ) due to rapid cooling
  • Loss of ductility in the base metal far from the weld joint
  • Excessive porosity and lack of fusion defects

Correct answer: Formation of a brittle heat-affected zone (HAZ) due to rapid cooling

Explanation: HSLA steels with higher carbon equivalents are prone to forming hard, brittle microstructures like martensite in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) if cooled rapidly. This can lead to cold cracking, also known as hydrogen-induced cracking, which is a major concern.

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