Optimization of weld bead geometry of laser welded ANSI 304 austenitic stainless steel using grey‐based Taguchi method

Abstract

This paper investigates the quality characteristics of the welding geometry of the laser welding process for the ANSI 304 austenitic stainless steel, with the use of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser welding system. Laser welding of 2 mm thick ANSI 304 stainless steel is performed at three different levels of three factors, i. e., peak power, welding speed and pulse duration. In this study, a multi‐response optimization problem is developed to achieve weld bead geometry with full penetration as well as a narrow bead width and minimum crater. Grey relational analysis based on Taguchi orthogonal array is used to present an effective approach for the optimization of laser welding process parameters. Regression equations between the welding parameters and the bead dimensions for laser welded austenitic stainless steels are developed, which are used in predicting the penetration, width and crater. Finally, the equations are tested for values different from the levels of the parameters in the orthogonal array. It will be beneficial to engineers for continuous improvement in laser welded product quality.

Optimization of material removal rate and surface roughness during electric discharge machining of ultra‐fine grained Al6082 using Taguchi technique

“…The Taguchi method is a pragmatic solution for enhancing the product performance, design, or process while keeping a close eye on cost and time [22, 23]. This technique has been used to successfully optimize a variety of processes in numerous researches [24–40]. With the help of the Taguchi's orthogonal array ( OA ) concept, which provides somewhat reduced variations or inconsistency for such experimentations including an optimized variety of design factors which influence the process.…”