Title: Analysis of the mechanical properties and penetration depth of gas metal arc welding on AISI 304 stainless steel

Authors: T.E. Abioye; O.O. Gbadeyan; D.I. Adebiyi

Addresses: Industrial and Production Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology Akure, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria ' Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology Akure, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria ' Metallurgical Engineering Department, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark Campus, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, 1911, Andries Potgieter Blvd, South Africa

Abstract: The microstructure, penetration depth and mechanical properties of gas metal arc weldments of AISI 304 stainless steel were investigated within a process window. 9 weldments were produced using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array technique. Well bonded, crack- and pore-free weld joints were obtainable at wire feed rate of 66-96 mm/s, voltage of 19-25 V and welding speed of 5.0-9.6 mm/s. The weld joint hardness (305-395 HV) decreased with increasing the heat energy input. However, weld penetration depth (2.67- 4.86 mm) increased as the heat energy input increased. Full weld penetration was achieved at heat energy value of 519 J/mm. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) first increased with increasing the heat energy input until an optimum value of 765 ± 12 MPa was obtained at 519 J/mm after which there was a decline. The weld penetration of the joints is adjudged to play a significant role on the UTS of the weldments.

Keywords: gas metal arc welding; AISI 304; penetration depth; tensile strength; microstructure; hardness; wire feed rate; heat energy input; heat affected zone; optimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2019.098114

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2019 Vol.14 No.1, pp.47 - 59

Received: 27 Dec 2017
Accepted: 04 Sep 2018
Published online: 04 Mar 2019 *

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