Laser welding process is the high energy beam welding process which is very much used for thin and thick section industrial applications. The weld bead profile relies on the selection of process parameter. Due to its high power density optimal selection of process parameters is vital. In this research the optimization of the input process parameters namely power density (PD), welding speed (WS), beam angle (BA) and gas flow rate (GFR) on the response bead width (BW), depth of penetration (DOP) and depth to width aspect ratio (D/W) is analyzed. As the process parameters are highly non-linear, quadratic equations are generated for determining the desired response. The experimental trials are performed on an AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel using the four-factor-five-level central composite experimental design (CCED). Optimization of process parameters is performed using the desirability approach and the results obtained from the mathematical model is compared with the experimental results and found to be in agreement. The target fixed for the weld is to determine the optimal process parameters for the minimization of bead width and the maximization of depth of penetration and depth to width aspect ratio.
Investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties of titanium alloy sheet using low power Nd-YAG laser welding process
