Effect of Process Parameters of Pulsed Current Micro Plasma Arc Welding on Weld Pool Geometry of AISI 304L Stainless Steel Sheets

Abstract

AISI 304L stainless steel is an austenitic Chromium-Nickel stainless steel offering an optimum combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and ductility. These attributes make it a favorite for many mechanical components. The low carbon content reduces susceptibility to carbide precipitation during welding. The effects of pulsing current parameters on weld pool geometry namely front width, back width, front height, and back height of pulsed current micro plasma arc-welded AISI 304L stainless steel sheets were analyzed. Four factors, five levels, and central composite design were used to develop mathematical models, incorporating pulsed current parameters and weld pool geometry. The mathematical models have been developed by Response Surface Method. The adequacy of the models was checked by analysis of variance technique. By using the developed mathematical models, weld pool geometry parameters can be predicted.

Keywords: Pulsed current, Micro plasma arc welding, AISI 304L stainless steel, Wel pool geometry, ANOVA