Application of Taguchi technique to optimize the gma welding parameters and study of fracture mode characterization of AISI 304H welded joints

Abstract

This research article is focusing on the optimization of different welding process parameters which affect the weldability of stainless steel (AISI) 304H, Taguchi technique was used to optimize the welding parameters and the fracture mode characterization was studied. A number of experiments have been conducted. L9 orthogonal array (OA) (3×3) was applied. Analysis of variance ( ANOVA) and signal to noise ratio (SNR) was applied to determine the effect of different welding parameters such as welding current, wire feed speed and gas flow rate on mechanical, microstructure properties of SS304H. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), toughness, microhardness (VHN), and mode of fracture was examined to determine weldability of AISI 304H and it was observed from results that welding voltage has major impact whereas gas flow rate has minor impact on ultimate tensile strength of the welded joints. Optimum process parameters were found to be 23 V, 350 IPM travel speed of wire and 15 l/min gas flow rate for tensile strength and mode of fracture was ductile fracture for tensile test specimen.