Abstract:
This study has focused on the influence of MIG welding parameters optimization on
tensile strength and hardness tests has investigated on medium carbon steel. The main
objective of this study is to minimize defect in weld through second order full quadratic
regression model for predicting four optimal process parameters which are current,
voltage, travel speed and gas flow rate to maximize tensile strength. Selection of Process
parameters and their ranges were determined by the Literature survey & by taking the
review of experienced people working on MIG welding machine. For this research work
the methodology used 3D RSM mathematical model parameters using OA, ANOVA,
Regression analysis for 22 samples, design of experiment are implemented to obtain
optimum combination of input parameters at 95% confidence level. The MIG welding
parameters are the most important factors affecting quality, productivity and cost of
welding. This paper presents the influence of welding parameters like welding current,
welding voltage, welding speed and wire diameter. A plan of experiments based on
orthogonal array and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed to investigate the
welding characteristics of medium carbon steel material and optimize the welding
parameters. For ANOVA contribution for each factor and regression analysis determined
predicted tensile strength is 384.759MPa minimum percent improvement for tensile
strength is 7.776% difference is from 357MPa original material TS. For regression
analysis of RSM optimum values parameter combinations are 192, 35, 17.52, and 14.54
for current, voltage, travel speed and gas flow rate respectively. Confirmation tests were
also carried out by the welded product tested on universal tensile test machine for design
of experiment after optimum parameter determination through nondestructive test and
distractive test to propose the optimum parameter settings. The conclusion for this
research work is optimal use of process parameters on weld bead products has improved
tensile stress and hardness tests is widely applicable and valuable in metal manufacturing
area.
KEYWORDS: MIG welding, Process Parameter optimization, DOE method, orthogonal
arrays, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Nondestructive Test, Distractive Test and RSM