Process Parameters Optimization for GMA Welding of AISI 1008 Steel Joints for Optimal Tensile Strength

Abstract

Parameters optimization has become a gateway to achieving quality welds with improved properties desirable for construction and industrial applications. The complex interaction of welding input parameters requires process optimization to achieve optimal responses (s). This study reports the optimization of input parameters for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) for optimal ultimate tensile strength in AISI 1008 steel joints. Three levels of arc voltage, welding current, and gas flow rate were selected as input parameters, while the targeted output response is the ultimate tensile strength. Taguchi’s method with an L-9 orthogonal matrix was adopted for the process optimization. The MINITAB 17 software was used to analyze the response through analysis of variance and signal-to-noise ratio. The result revealed that the parameter settings for optimal tensile strength for the GMA welding of 6 mm thick AISI 1008 steel joint are arc voltage set at 30 V, current at 180 A, and gas flow rate set at 17 L/mm. The analysis of variance showed that the arc voltage had the most significant influence on the ultimate tensile strength with a 39.76% contribution, followed by the gas flow rate with 31.15%, while the welding current had 6.28% contributions. The surface plots show that a lower-level voltage, higher-level welding current, and higher-level gas flow rate favoured maximum ultimate tensile strength.