Optimization of gas metal arcwelding parameters of SS304 austenitic steel by Taguchi –Grey relational analysis

This study investigated the optimization of three welding parameters (wire feed speed, arc voltage, and shielding gas flow rate) for SS 304H by using Taguchi based Grey relational analysis. In this research work, pure argon was used as shielding gas. Numbers of trials were performed as per L16 (4xx3) orthogonal array design and the mechanical quality such ultimate tensile strength, microhardness, Toughness, and microstructure of SS304H optimized by Grey-based Taguchi analysis and result shows that the optimal parameters combination were as A4B4C3 i.e. flow rate at 23L/min, voltage at 25 V and welding speed at 350IPM and it was observed that wire feed speed had the most significant effect followed by voltage and gas flow rate. An optimal combined parameter of the welding operation was obtained via Grey relational analysis. By analyzing Grey relational grade matrix, the degree of influence for each controllable process factor onto individual quality targets can be found.