Optimization of GTAW Process Parameters for Al6063

Welding is widely used by manufacturing engineers and production personnel to quickly and effectively set up manufacturing processes for new products. This experiment discusses an investigation into the use of Taguchi's Parameter Design methodology for Parametric Study of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Al 6063. In this research work, bead on plate welds were carried out on Al6063 plates using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. Taguchi method is used to formulate the experimental design. Design of experiments using orthogonal array is employed to develop the elements. The input process variables considered here include welding current, welding voltage & Root gap rate. A total no of 9 experimental runs has to be conducted using an L9 orthogonal array, and the ideal combination of controllable factor levels has to be determined for the hardness to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio. After collecting the data signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios were calculated and used in order to obtain optimum levels for every input parameter. Subsequently, using analysis of variance (ANOVA) the significant coefficients for each input parameter on impact & Hardness has to be determined. Depth of penetration also has to be investigated through IMAGE J software.