A hybrid approach consisting of multi-objective and multivariate analyses for WAAM specimens

Abstract

In this study, a combination of multivariate and multi-objective analyses, namely principal component analysis with fuzzy logic, has been proposed to identify the input parameters for ER4043, aluminum alloy in wire arc additive manufacturing. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was designed with three-factor, three-level input parameters. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and hardness were used as the output parameters. As the Taguchi optimization is not sufficient for multi-response optimization, observed data for each response were normalized and then principal component analysis was applied. Further, multi-response performance index (MRPI) was identified using fuzzy logic approach so that this hybrid approach could be successfully applied and MRPI could give a combination of input parameters at an optimal level.