Optimization of welding parameters and microstructure and fracture mode characterization of GMA welding by using Taguchi method on SS304H austenitic steel

Abstract

This study is centre on optimizing different welding parameters which affect the weldability of SS304H, Taguchi technique was employed to optimize the welding parameters and fracture mode characterization was studied. A number of experiments have been conducted. L9 orthogonal array (3x3) applied for it. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal to noise ratio (SNR), a statistical technique was applied to determine the effect of different welding parameters such as welding current, wire feed speed and gas flow rate on weldability of SS304H.Tensile strength, toughness, micro hardness and mode of fracture was examined to determine weldability of SS304H and it was observed from result that welding voltage have major impact whereas gas flow rate has minour impact on ultimate tensile strength of the welded joints and optimum process parameters were found to be 23 V, 350 IPM travel speed of wire and 15 l/min gas flow rate for tensile strength and mode of fracture was ductile fracture for tensile test specimen. © Technical University of Lodz.