Optimization of Elemental Weight % in Microwave-Processed Joints of SS304/SS316 Using Taguchi Philosophy

Abstract

In this work, microwave-processed similar and dissimilar joints of SS304-SS304, SS304-SS316 and SS316-SS316 were fabricated using microwave hybrid heating technique. Workpieces were projected with electromagnetic energy radiations of a household microwave source with fixed frequency of 2.45[Formula: see text]GHz at 800[Formula: see text]W; about 99.8% pure Ni powder of different sizes 70[Formula: see text]nm, 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and 50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m was used as interface material between the welded joints. The experiments were carried out as per Taguchi philosophy of optimization-based L9 orthogonal array. Workpiece materials (SS304-SS304, SS304-SS316, SS316-SS316), interface material (70[Formula: see text]nm, 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, 50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m) and process time (360, 390, 420[Formula: see text]s) were selected as three input process parameters. Physical characterization of the joints was performed through energy dispersive spectroscopy to find out the central elements by weight % present in the joining region of the joints, and the results were taken as output parameters. Optimization of elemental weight % in microwave-processed joints of SS304/SS316 was the prime output of this present work with investigation to the existence of Ni, Fe, Cr and C elements in the produced joints under the influence of different input parameters through microwave joining method.