The use of grey-based Taguchi methods to determine submerged arc welding process parameters in hardfacing

In this paper, the use of grey-based Taguchi methods for the optimization of the submerged arc welding (SAW) process parameters in hardfacing with considerations of multiple weld qualities is reported. In this new approach, the grey relational analysis is adopted to solve the SAW process with multiple weld qualities. A grey relational grade obtained from the grey relational analysis is used as the performance characteristic in the Taguchi method. Then, optimal process parameters are determined by using the parameter design proposed by the Taguchi method. Experimental results have shown that optimal SAW process parameters in hardfacing can be determined effectively so as to improve multiple weld qualities through this new approach. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.