Optimization of Dilution in the Gas Metal Arc Welding Process Using Genetic Algorithm.

The gas metal arc welding process is increasingly employed for fabrication in many industries .This process is versatile since it can be applied for all welding positions and moreover can be easily integrated into the robotized production centers. Weld dilution as one of the dimensions of weld quality in this process is basically affected by the input welding parameters. In this paper the effect of input welding parameters such as wire feed rate (W), arc voltage (V), nozzle-to-plate distance (N), welding speed (S) and gas flow rate (G) on dilution is investigated .Based on the Taguchi design of experiments (L25) twenty five bead-on-plate welds on 6.0 mm thick ST-37 plates were deposited. Using a genetic algorithm the weld dilution in the gas metal arc welding process was optimized and moreover optimized levels for different input welding parameters were specified. Finally a welding run was performed in order to confirm the results from the genetic algorithm technique.

Keywords:

Gas metal arc welding , Weld dilution , Taguchi method , Genetic algorithm