Analysis of Discontinuous Bead Formation by PTAW Process

This research investigates the effects of input parameters on discontinuities in bead formation during material deposition by the plasma transferred arc welding (PTAW) process. Experiments based on L27 orthogonal array have been carried out by deposition of stainless steel powder (SS304 L) on stainless steel plate (SS316). Three types of depositions have been observed, namely continuous, partially continuous and discontinuous deposition. A process map has been developed, based upon powder and energy deposition per length, where the above-mentioned three types of depositions are distributed. The discontinuities in the deposition can be overcome by increasing the energy deposition per length or by reducing the powder deposition per length.