Investigation on effects of parameters of GMAW process on bead geometry, hardness and microstructure of AISI 410 steel weldments

Abstract

ABSTRACT Gas metal arc welding process offers higher productivity and good quality weldment as compared to other welding process. The changes in welding process parameters affect the weld bead shape, hardness and microstructure of the weldments. Therefore, control of the welding process parameters is needed. The new materials of increasing mechanical properties are being developed continuously and the response characteristics are dependent on these new materials and input process parameters of the welding process. In the present work, the AISI 410 grade steel of 12 mm thickness is used and experiments are conducted using central composite design matrix. The experimental study aims at developing mathematical models and investigate on the effects of the process parameters on the response parameters of the weldments. The mathematical models developed for the weld bead geometry help the manufacturers to predict the effects of the process parameters on the weld bead geometry and hardness within the considered range of process parameters. The hardness values decrease from welded zone to base metal and also due to less heat input. The grain size changes from smaller size to bigger size in different passes when the welding parameters are varied and defects occur mostly in third pass.