Impact of TIG Welding Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy Joints

Abstract

The most common gas-shielded arc welding method is tungsten inert gas welding, which uses shielding gas to isolate the welded area. Such technique is mostly used in the industrial domain, including steel framework fabrication and installation, plumbing systems, and other building jobs. The welding method and the implementation of a suitable welding joint based on some factors that contribute to the fusion process were studied in the present research. The research investigated the specifications and efficiency of the area to be welded in terms of the thermal effect on the welding joint shape and some significant mechanical property-related factors which that were determined during the welding process. In this paper, aluminum alloy sheets, AA 6061-T6, with a thickness of 3 mm, were used with a 60mm width and 80mm length. These sheets were prepared to be welded using welding currents of 90A, 95A, and 100A, welding speeds of 60mm/min, 80 mm/min, and100 mm/min, and gas flow rates of 8 l/ min, 9 l/min, and 10 l/min. The experiments were designed at three distinct levels. These levels were selected to create the L9 orthogonal array. Regression analysis, signal-to-noise ratio evaluation, and analysis of variance were carried out. The created model has enhanced accuracy by predicting the reinforced hardness found in the weld specimens, according to the regression study, which showed R2= 90.09%. In addition, it was discovered that the ideal welding parameters for a welded specimen were 100 A for welding current, 80 mm/min for welding speed, and 9 l/min for gas flow. The present research examined the shape of the thermal distribution of welded parts using the engineering computer program ANSYS. The experimental results clarified the proposed approach, as they showed that the welding current is the most influential factor in the hardness of the weld using the fusion process of 90.95%, followed by the welding speed of 7.48%, while the gas flow rate of 1.52% has the least effect. The authors recommend using qualified welders to ensure optimal performance. It is anticipated that these findings will serve as a foundation for analysis to optimize welding processes and reduce welding defects.