Influence of input parameters to determine the shape of weld bead in cladding on 316L stainless steel using the Taguchi method

Background:  The Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) process, with its low heat input, is selected for cladding carbon steel in demanding industries such as mining, oil, gas, offshore, steel, and metal. Limited research exists on the utilization of Taguchi's technique in welding and cladding processes. The main objective of the present research is to employ the Taguchi approach for determining the impact of CMT parameters on the cladding geometry of 316L stainless steel. Methods: The influence of process parameters on the weld bead was examined using both Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) by implementing an orthogonal array. A structural steel substrate was coated with nickel-based metal inert gas (MIG) welding wire using the CMT process while being shielded by a 99.9 percent pure argon gas. To attain the desired quality of weld bead, the CMT input parameters and geometry of the bead are separately and collectively optimized. Results: When the welding current (Iw) is set at 130A, welding speed (V) at 200 mm/min, and the distance between the nozzle and plate (X) at 5 mm, the Taguchi method indicates that the desired outcome is obtained with the following parameters: a penetration (P) of 1.115 mm, a reinforcement (R) of 1.51 mm, a bead width (W) of 4.265 mm, and a percentage of dilution (D) of 21.145%. Conclusions: The research findings indicate, under certain limitations, the techniques of the Taguchi method be utilized to efficiently manage the CMT cladding process parameters.