Effects of MIG process parameters on the geometry of the bead in the automatic surfacing of stainless steel

Abstract Automatic weld surfacing is being employed increasingly in the process and power industries. Because of its high reliability, all-position capability, ease of use, low cost and high productivity, GMAW has become a natural choice for automatic surfacing. With increasing use of GMAW in its automatic mode, there will be increased dependence on the use of equations to predict the dimensions of the weld bead. The development of such mathematical equations using a four-factor 5-level factorial technique to predict the geometry of the weld bead in the deposition of 316L stainless steel onto structural steel IS 2062 is presented. The models developed have been checked for their adequacy and significance by using the F -test and the t -test, respectively. Main and interaction effects of the control factors on dilution and bead geometry are presented in a graphical form that helps in selecting quickly the process parameters to achieve the desired quality of overlay.