Multi-response optimization for laser transmission welding of PMMA to ABS using Taguchi-based TOPSIS method

Abstract

Recently, the usage of laser transmission welding (LTW) technology in the automotive industry has been rising for joining thermoplastic parts regarding its superior properties in comparison to other welding technologies. However, specifying the process parameters is a crucial step to obtain satisfactory welding quality for the vehicle parts. In this context, this paper addresses the LTW process of Polimetil metakrilat (PMMA) to Akrilonitril bütadien stiren (ABS) materials for the production of taillights in an automotive company and proposes a new multi-response Taguchi-Based TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method to optimize machining parameters in the laser welding process. In the proposed solution methodology, the main effects of the parameters on different outputs are identified by using the [Formula: see text] orthogonal array of the Taguchi method. Regarding the best parameter set for each output, the best parameter set for multi-response is identified by using the TOPSIS method, in which alternatives are evaluated through the interrelated quality measures. To optimize welding process in taillight production, PMMA and ABS samples with the dimensions of [Formula: see text] in width, [Formula: see text] in length, and [Formula: see text] in thickness are used in the experiments. The samples are welded by using LPKF Twinweld 3D 6000® laser welding machine. For the welding process, laser power, welding speed, and pressure force are taken into account as the input parameters to optimize three responses: weld strength, breaking strain, and weld width. To identify the best process parameter values, the Taguchi Method is initially employed to calculate the main effects of LTW parameters for each output. Then, the TOPSIS method is carried out to evaluate a number of alternative parameter sets generated through the Taguchi results. As a consequence of the TOPSIS ranking scores, the best parameter set that jointly optimizes three outputs of the LTW process is identified for the taillight production as [Formula: see text] power, [Formula: see text] speed, and [Formula: see text] pressure force. Based on the conducted experiments, this parameter setting achieves the highest weld strength, breaking strain level, and above-average weld width. The results of the experiments show that the proposed methodology is capable of optimizing LTW parameters for a multi-response with fewer experiments in the joining of plastic vehicle parts.