Optimization of Metal Inert Gas Welding Process during Joining of Structural Steels- An Overview

Abstract

Metal Inert Gas welding is a fast, reliable and cost effective technique for joining of different ferrous materials and steels used in the construction of large structures like Fe410WA, IS2062, SS304, AISI1040 and AISI316 etc. To obtain better quality and performance of the steel welded joints, parameter optimisation of metal inert gas welding procedure and weld heat treatment process is carried out. In optimization work and studies, variables of GMAW process like welding voltage and current, speed of welding, WFR (rate of wire feed), GFR (rate of gas flow), type of gas used and effect of heat treatments are kept changing to get best combinations of input parameters for best quality of welded parts. The quality of welds is evaluated in terms of mechanical properties of welded joints like ultimate tensile and yield strength, elongation, microstructure, heat affected zone and defect free weld joints etc. Model and experimental studies are done in different combinations to get best combination of input parameters for steels. Studies by authors have identified the significance of input parameters in ascending order and some of them also quantified the optimal values of the input parameters. Pre and post weld heat treatment of structures is beneficial in improvement of mechanical and fatigue properties.