A Study of Software Approach for Predicting Weld Bead Geometry in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Process

Abstract

The prediction of the optimal weld bead width is an important aspect in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process as it is related to the strength of the weld. This paper focuses on investigation of the development of the simple and accurate model for prediction of weld bead geometry. The experiment used welding current, arc length, welding speed, welding gap and electrode diameter as input parameters. While output parameters are bead width, depth of penetration and weld reinforcement. A number of 33 mild steel plate specimens had undergone the SMAW welding process. The experimental data was used to develop mathematical models using SPSS software. The actual and predicted values of the weld bead geometry are compared. The proposed models shows positive correlation to the real process.