Optimization of weld strength for laser welding of steel to PMMA using Taguchi design method

Abstract

Dissimilar joining of 304 stainless steel to PMMA is accomplished by a Nd: YAG pulsed laser. The light and process were represented by laser peak power, welding speed, defocus, pulse duration, pulse frequency and Ar gas flow rate, as these experiment parameters have significant effects on joints strength, weld width, joints quality and appearance. The welding parameters were optimized by an orthogonal experiment design, then the validation and optimization experiments were carried out to obtain the best combination of process parameters. A maximum weld strength of the joints of 974 N was achieved (the joints efficiency reached 70% of the base PMMA), much larger than ever reported. Bead profiles such as bead width and mechanical strength were investigated, and five types of 304 stainless steel-PMMA welded joints and three kinds of fracture model have been proposed.