IIW Carbon Equivalent
IIW carbon equivalent is a formula to assess the weldability of low-carbon steels. It helps predict cracking and hardness issues.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism
The IIW carbon equivalent (CEV) calculates the carbon content of a steel along with other elements like nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. This calculation gives a value that indicates the risk of cracking and hardness issues during welding.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
A too high CEV value increases the likelihood of hot cracking and toughness problems. In low-carbon steels, a too low value can lead to insufficient hardness, affecting weld integrity.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
Before welding, calculate the CEV of the steel. A typical CEV for low-carbon steels is between 0.2 and 0.4. For values above 0.5, careful cooling is required to avoid cracking. For lower values, hardness can be increased by additional welding processes.