Application of Taguchi method for optimization of resistance spot welding of austenitic stainless steel AISI 301L

Abstract

This study presents a systematic approach to determine effect of process parameters on indentation as a primary & initial measure of weld quality and subsequently tensile strength, nugget diameter and penetration. To achieve the objective an attempt has been made to select important welding parameters like welding current, weld cycle, hold time  & cool cycle using quality tools, available literature and on scientific reasons. On the selected parameters, Experiment have been conducted as per Taguchi method and fixed the levels for the parameters. The experiment has four factors and all factors are at two levels. To have wide spectrum of analysis and variability with time, L32 Orthogonal Array (OA) experiments are conducted. Optimum welding parameters determined by Taguchi method improved indentation which in turn confirms the value of nugget size, tensile strength and penetration. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and F-test has been used for determining most significant parameters affecting the spot weld parameters.

Keywords: Welding parameters; Taguchi Method; Resistance spot welding (RSW); Orthogonal array; ANOVA