Parametric Optimization of Dissimilar TIG Welding of AISI 304L and 430 Steel Using Taguchi Analysis
Dissimilar welding of 3mm thickness of AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel plate and AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel plates were performed by Tungsten Inert Gas welding without any filler material by using argon as shielding gas. Welding is carried out according to set of combinations of welding parameters such as welding current (levels of 135,140,145 Ampere), welding speed (levels of 105, 110, 115 mm/min) and shielding gas flow rate (of levels 5,10,15 Litre/min) obtained through Taguchi L9 orthogonal approach for maximizing the ultimate tensile strength by using MiniTab software . Radiography test was performed to know the soundness of the welds. Tensile specimens are fabricated as per ASTM E8 standard for tensile testing. Microstructural observations of the weld are performed. Correlations have been obtained to know the effect of welding speed, welding current and shielding gas flow rate on tensile strength and an optimum level of parameter is obtained at welding current of 145 Ampere, welding speed of 115 mm/min and shielding gas flow rate of 5 Litre/min.