Optimization of mig welding process parameters on mechanical properties of Al-MS-SS materials

Abstract

Applications of welding process in the industry mostly involve the resistance of an object to resist the force applied. As such, the tensile strength and hardness of welding must be considered. The Metal Inert Gas welding is used to joint two plates of Aluminum, Mild Steel and Stainless Steel in butt joint type based on the selected parameters. The specimens used are 3mm thickness. Analysis of tensile strength using Ultimate Tensile Machine and hardness (Vickers Hardness Test) has been carried out on the surface of welding area. The highest values of tensile strength and hardness test were recorded. Taguchi method is used for design of experiment in order to obtain the optimum value for each analysis tested. The highest of Signal-to-Noise ratio graph for each parameter provide results of optimal values for each type of material. Analysis of Variance was carried out to identify the percentage of parameters contributions to the tension of a material. Confirmation tests carried out on the basis of optimum parameter which has been analyzed and found there was an error between predictions of optimal value and the actual experimental values. However, microstructure analysis has been done to support the results of the experiment. The images of penetration shown by Scanning Electron Microscope for Mild steel specimen are the highest penetration than others. The findings of the optimal value and table of results obtained can be used as a reference for various applications for metal inert gas welding in industry.