This paper describes the sulfide stress corrosion (SCC) resistance of weldments in 410 stainless steel and 17-4PH precipitation hardening stainless steel. 410 stainless steel weldments with a post weld stress
relief heat treatment had a severe reduction in sulfide stress corrosion resistance when compared to the base metal. Austenitizing after welding significantly improves the sulfide stress corrosion resistance of the weldments. 410 stainless steel weldments and base metal with a 900°C (1650°F) austenitizing temperature have a higher resistance to sulfide stress corrosion cracking than with a 982°C (1800°F) austenitizing treatment. The 17-4PH results comparing solution annealing versus aging alone after welding were less conclusive, but weldment sulfide stress corrosion resistance equal to the base metal could be achieved with proper post weld heat treatment. Keywords: sulfide stress cracking, SSC, stainless steel, martensitic, precipitation hardening, pH, chlorides