Parametric Optimization of Submerged Arc Welding Process Parameters by Response Surface Methodology

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) is recognized as widely accepted process for joining of plates, pressure vessels, boilers, pipes, huge structures, rail tanks, heat exchangers, marine vessels. SAW finds numerous application in industries because of high current density, easy applicability and its tendency to deposit weld metal in excess quantity by using one or more wire. In the current manufacturing scenario, SAW process has been commonly applied for welding of Stainless Steel 316 (SS 316), High Strength low alloyed Steel and SS 304. Among them, SS 316 is one of the mostly used metal in industries. SAW has widespread applications in plates, bars, pipes, sections and hollow sections. These steels are graded by specifications, chemical composition, technical properties and quality standards. In this work, optimization of input factors of SAW like Voltage, current and speed has been done. In this study height of bead and width of bead are selected as the output parameters. A well-established design of experiment technique, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has been employed for optimizing input factors. From the outcome of the results, it has been observed that the arc voltage and welding current are significant parameters affecting width of bead and height of bead