Impact of Gas Metal Arc Welding Parameters on Bead Geometry and Material Distortion of AISI 316L

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) parameters on the bead geometry and material distortion of AISI 316L. Three parameters—arc current in ampere (A), filler feed rate (m/min), and gas composition—were modified at varying levels in order to examine their effects. This study sheds new light on MAG welding lines’ physical properties and behavior and highlights the influence of quaternary shielding gas compositions. Taguchi analysis, which includes signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA), was utilized to analyze and optimize the welding parameters. This study found that arc current significantly impacts bead geometry, while the shielding gas composition has the most significant effect on angular distortion and transverse shrinkage. The optimal welding parameters for achieving the best bead height and width are 160 A, 3.5 m/min, G1, with a bead height of 4.89 mm, and 120 A, 3 m/min, G2, with a bead width of 6.69 mm. Moreover, the optimal welding parameters for minimizing both angular distortion and transverse shrinkage are 120 A, 4 m/min, G2, resulting in an angular distortion value of 0.0042° and a transverse shrinkage value of 0.0254 mm. This research has practical implications for improving welding performance and can contribute to the advancement of MAG and MIG welding in manufacturing applications.

Experimental investigation of the impact of GMAW welding parameters on the mechanical properties of AISI 316L/ER 316L using quaternary shielding gas

“…The S/N ratio rank determined the most desirable welding parameters for producing the best AISI 316L/ER316L toughness have been determined as the arc current (160A), filler feed rate (4 m min −1 ), and gas mixture (G1), as determined by figures 15(a)-(d) and table 11 which display the appropriate values for each shielding gas content, arc current, and wire feed rate, it is evident that larger values are preferred. As reported in the study by Khrais et al [23]. ANOVA analysis demonstrated that the Gas combination has the most effect among the three parameters (arc current, filler feed rate, and gas mixture) and has the greatest impact on HAZ, with a contribution of 42.57%.…”

“…To preserve the gas mixture's precision to two decimal points, it is crucial to employ the regulator valve to maintain a constant gas pressure and flow while welding. The recommended operating ranges for this purpose are between 0.021 to 0.05 MPa and 14 to 18 l min −1 , respectively [23].…”

“…On the other hand, an increase in wire feed rate typically leads to a higher deposition rate but also results in a coarser microstructure and lower toughness of the weld. Khrais et al [23] reported that decreasing the wire feed rate can result in a more refined microstructure which is reflected in the material toughness. Moreover, welding metal microstructure is also affected by shielding gas mixture composition.…”

“…It is necessary to optimize welding settings to achieve mechanical properties. Taguchi analysis improves MIG/MAG welding properties and efficiency by optimizing parameters as reported by Khrais et al [23]. Also, they used the Taguchi approach to determine and optimize welding parameters.…”

“…Therefore, it greatly impacts mechanical properties, such as UTS, EL% toughness, and corrosion resistance. It is crucial to optimize welding parameters to achieve the desired mechanical properties [23].…”