Distortion Control for Dissimilar Welding of SS321 to Hastelloy C-276 with CO2 Laser Beam Butt Joints Using Taguchi Methods

Abstract
The laser beam welding process is a promising technology because of its reliability and ability to automate the process easily. This study aims to analyze distortion for dissimilar laser weld joints. Hastelloy C276 and SS321 plates are joined by using the CO2 Laser beam welding. Welding current, welding speed and shielding gas flow are chosen as process parameters for preparing butt joints. Each of the factors has two levels to control the parameters of the output. Experimentation was conducted with four trails by using an L4 orthogonal array. The quality of the welds and bead geometry are verified through macrostructure examination. The Vernier height gauge was used for the measurement of distortion in the weldments. Lower the better-quality characteristic is chosen for the response. ANOVA studies identified laser power at 81%, the weld speed at 16% parameters is a contribution with a statistical of about 95%. Full penetration was observed for all the experimental trails.