Optimization of laser transmission joining process parameters on joint width of PET and 316 L stainless steel joint using RSM

Abstract

In the present investigation, joining speed, laser power and stand-off distance were took up as joining process parameters in determining the laser transmission joining between PET films and 316 L stainless steel plates. The laser transmission joining process parameters were optimized using response methodology for obtaining maximum joint width. The Box-Behnken Design has been used to plan the experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) is selected to develop mathematical relationships between joining parameters and desired response (joint width). From the ANOVA (analysis of variance) it was concluded that stand-off distance is contributing more and it is followed by joining speed and laser power. In the range of process parameters, the result shows that joining speed increases, joint width decreases, while with the increase of laser power and stand-off distance, joint width increases. Optimum values of joining speed, laser power and stand-off distance was found to be 100 mm/min, 18 watt and 3 mm to get the maximum joint width (Predicted 2.232 mm). Corresponding average tensile strength of joint was found to be 84.38 MPa. There was approximately 6.61 % error in the experimental and modeled results of joint seam width.