Title: Parametric optimisation of gas metal arc dissimilar welding on AISI 304 stainless steel and low carbon steel

Authors: T.E. Abioye; C.O. Kanu; T.I. Ogedengbe; 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 ' 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 weld-bead geometry and mechanical properties of the AISI 304 stainless steel and low carbon steel gas metal arc dissimilar weldments were optimised within a process window (wire feed rate (66-96 mm/s), voltage (19-25 V) and welding speed (3-6 mm/s)). The variations of the weld-bead width and mechanical properties with the processing parameters were analysed and presented. Significant changes in the microstructure of the weld zone with the heat energy inputs were observed. All the three utilised parameters contributed significantly to the bead width, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and hardness of the weldments. The welding speed contributed most significantly to the UTS and bead width while the voltage has the most significant effect on the hardness. Optimum weld qualities including continuous joint, high tensile strength (422 MPa) and high hardness (112 HB) were found at 84 mm/s wire feed rate, voltage of 25 V and speed of 3 mm/s.

Keywords: GMAW; gas metal arc welding; optimisation; dissimilar metals; full factorial design; ANOVA; mechanical properties; AISI 304 stainless steel; low carbon steel; microstructure; heat energy input.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2019.099225

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2019 Vol.14 No.2, pp.155 - 169

Received: 20 Mar 2018
Accepted: 23 Nov 2018

Published online: 23 Apr 2019 *

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