Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to investigate optimum welding conditions of STS 304 thin sheet by GTA welding and control 6 $\delta$--fenite which is harmful in mechanical processing, corrosion problem and can be formed brittle a phase in using long term at high temperature. One series of automatic welds was made using argon plus 10, 20, 30 % nitrogen to ensure a fully austenite deposit. Results obtained were summarized as follows: 1) 6 $\sigma$ferrite content in the weld metals is influenced largely by the nitrogen content. 2) Additions of nitrogen to the shielding gas can significantly reduce the amount of retained delta ferrite and result in an increase in hot cracking. 3) Bead width was increased when Ar + $N_2$ shielding gas was used and travel speed was increased. 4) Ar+$N_2$ shielding gas made weld metal ductile and reduce 6 -$\delta$-ferrite.