SHS 9700E is a multicomponent steel alloy with a unique uniform glass-forming melt chemistry that allows high undercooling to be achieved during welding. This results in considerable refinement of the crystalline microstructure down to a near nanosize (submicron) range. Unlike conventional weld overlay materials which are macrocomposites containing hard particles and general carbides in a binder, the refined microstructure of SHS 9700E does not incorporate distinct hard particles in a binder and is a uniformly hard matrix when welded. This allows SHS 9700E to provide vastly improved hardness and wear resistance, and to significantly outlast conventional macrocomposites. Additionally, SHS 9700E is an iron-based alloy without tungsten carbide particulates.

High Hardness
Near maximum hardness is achieved in both single and double layer overlays with SHS 9700E when overlaying mild steel or low alloy iron based materials. The alloys have been designed such that the greater base metal dilution present in a single layer overlay does not cause a significant reduction in hardness.

High Wear Resistance
SHS 9700E weld deposits should be limited to two layers maximum for most applications. Both single and double layers provide exceptional wear resistance of
0.12 - 0.14 g (+/- 0.03) mass loss in ASTM G65-04 dry sand rubber wheel abrasion tests.

Damage Tolerance
The superior toughness of SHS 9700E occurs from the in-situ formation of high-volume fraction of refined complex borocarbide phases during welding which are surrounded by ductile phases. The borocarbide phases, which form during solidification, are completely wetted by the matrix and prevent premature pull-out, delamination and crack nucleation. The refined nature of the borocarbide phases allows the reduction of stress concentration sites and the ductile matrix supplies effective crack blunting and bridging.

Weld Characteristics
SHS 9700E welds with a smooth stable transfer when applied with the recommended parameters. It is best to maintain a moderate arc length to minimize shorting of the arc to the silica slag that floats in the weld pool. Weld deposits have a smooth surface texture with minimal slag spots that can be removed with a chipping hammer or needle gun.