Two different developments in the field of submerged arc welding of duplex and super duplex stainless steels are described. Both developments are aimed at increased productivity. In one case, one sided welding procedures of 22 Cr duplex stainless steels using flux copper backing are described. The other case relates to welding of 25 Cr super duplex stainless steels, using a metal cored wire as electrode in the submerged arc process.

For the one sided welding, good mechanical and corrosion properties were obtained. The most important process variables are careful joint preparation and a flux having a good slag detachability. The shape of the root bead is essential for the properties and the risk of solidification cracking has been examined.

For the use of metal cored wire in submerged arc welding of super duplex steels, it is demonstrated that very promising results concerning microstructure has been obtained, with indications of reduced pore frequency. The influence of different process adjustments and slag system are briefly discussed.