In this paper the use of different shielding gases used with duplex (DSS) and superduplex (SDSS) consumables will be reported with regard to their influence on welding behavior, corrosion resistance and mechanical values.

Although standard duplex steel UNS S 31803 (1.4462) can be welded with shielding gas Ar + 2–2.5% CO₂, it is advisable to use a 3-component shielding gas such as Ar + 15–30% He + 0.5% CO₂ when welding superduplex steels such as UNS S 32760 (1.4501) or UNS S 32750. In general it is advisable to use the pulse-arc technique, thereby avoiding pores and spatter. Above all there is an improvement in welding out-of-position. Droplet transfer appears to be more viscous, meaning the droplets are larger. In any case, the finger-shaped penetration profile observed in the fillet weld seam when using standard duplex consumables was not found when using superduplex consumables.