Process parameter selection for optimizing the weld pool geometry in the tungsten inert gas welding of stainless steel

In this paper, the selection of process parameters for obtaining an optimal weld pool geometry in the tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding of stainless steel is presented. Basically, the geometry of the weld pool has several quality characteristics, for example, the front height, front width, back height and back width of the weld pool. To consider these quality characteristics together in the selection of process parameters, the modified Taguchi method is adopted to analyze the effect of each welding process parameter on the weld pool geometry, and then to determine the process parameters with the optimal weld pool geometry. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the proposed approach. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.