The role of post-weld heat treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of maraging steel laser welds has been investigated. The post-weld heat treatments are (a) direct ageing at 480°C/3h/air cooling, (b) solutionizing at 815°C/1h/air cooling+at 480°C/3h/air cooling, and (c) homogenization at 1150°C/1h/air cooling+solutionizing at 815°C/1h/air cooling+ageing at 480°C/3h/air cooling. The welded+aged and welded+solutionized+aged microstructure consisting of reverted austenite exhibited low strength and toughness. Homogenization treatment resulted in a microstructure free from reverted austenite and subsequent solutionizing and ageing resulted in improved strength and impact toughness.
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