Optimizing GTAW Process Parameters for SS202 Welding using the Taguchi Method

Abstract

Stainless steel 202 is a widely used material in the current industrial area, including for higher and lower temperature applications such as storage tanks, pressure cups, furnace equipment, etc. The use ratio of those materials is increasing constantly due to their superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. The GTAW process is widely used for stainless steel welding, especially for full penetration welds in thin gage materials. The weldment properties are mostly dependent on the shielding gas, since it dominates the mode of metal transfer. Parameters such as main current, start current (A), end current, and pulse (Hz) have been determined and selected as factors that can influence the weld strength. Taguchi orthogonal array L9 (Minitab 21) was used to determine the amount of runoff and the analysis of samples. In this project, the stainless steel (202) is welded using the SS310 filler rod by the GTAW process, and its mechanical properties were studied along with the process welding parameters like the main current, start current, end current, and pulse of the TIG for maximum weldments, the best mechanical properties, and the minimum heat-affected zone (HAZ). The analysis of the test results is conducted, and the combination of welding parameter ranges that gives the best result is found.