Optimization of austenitic stainless steel weld joint by using the analytical hierarchy process

Abstract

Abstract Nowadays, gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is getting used more and more in many manufacturing and fabrication industries due to its good quality welding possibility maintaining productivity. Automatic servo controlled wire feed system makes the weld material deposition rate uniform requiring less skill of the operator. Even higher end mechanization, automation or robotization is possible with the use of GMAW system. Among several types of welding processes, people always try to find appropriate, simple, effective and reliable process in which many variables can be possible to adjust, and from those, Gas Metal arc Welding is much favoured. For its suitability, it is important to control its parameter for various types of materials. So, for optimizing this process, the simple method named the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) can be employed. In this work, an attempt is made to optimize welding parameters in GMAW by making butt joints on 4 mm thick austenitic stainless steel (304L) using CO2 as active gas. Furthermore, Visual inspection and Dye Penetration test for examining defects have been done. Weld bead geometry of the welded joints is examined with the help of optical microscope to find the best welding parameters through the Analytical Hierarchy Process.