Optimization of welding parameters for laser bead-on-plate welding using Taguchi method

This paper presents the results obtained by the optimization of laser bead on plate welding parameters for 3.5 kW cooled slab laser using Taguchi technique. The trials were conducted on two different shielding gases 100% Nitrogen and 50% Nitrogen + 50% Argon. The input process parameters such as beam power, travel speed and focal position are selected suitably in order to obtain the desired output i.e., bead width and depth of penetration. The quality of the weld is evaluated by studying the features of weld bead geometry. Grey relational analysis is applied to optimize the input parameters simultaneously considering multiple output variables. In this investigation the nearest optimal solution which would improve the weld quality was found out. Experimental trial on super austenitic stainless steel has been conducted to validate the optimized parameters. Further, the optimized parameters were evaluated through the microstructural characterization and hardness measurements across the weld zone.