Studying Factors Affecting Fusion Pool Geometry of Micro Plasma Arc which Remelts Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheets (AISI 316L) by Using Response Surface Method

Abstract

Micro Plasma Arc welding is used to remelt thin sheets of austenitic stainless steel (AISI 316L) 1mm. In this article the effects of micro plasma factors (2.4 mm electrode diameter) on fusion pool geometry parameters namely width, height and HAZ’s width of austenitic stainless steel sheets are analyzed. The mathematical models have been developed by response surface method, in which three factors, three levels and central composite design were used to develop mathematical models, incorporating micro plasma parameters and fusion pool geometry. The adequacy of the models was checked by ANOVA technique. Variations of output responses with input process variables were discussed in both effects: main and interaction. As a result, fusion pool geometry parameters can be estimated by using the developed mathematical models.