OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS IN ND: YAG LASER WELDING OF HASTELLOY SHEETS THROUGH TAGUCHI METHOD

Optimization of weld width and tensile strength in pulsed Nd: YAG laser welded Hastelloy C-276 sheets, subjected to varied welding speed (350-450 mm/min), pulse energy (10-14 J) and pulse duration (6-8 ms), is attempted. Experimental conditions are designed based on Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. The parameters for attaining a minimum weld width and maximum tensile strength were determined by computing the Signal-to-Noise ratio. Further, a mathematical model is developed for determining the weld width and tensile strength of the weld, based on the regression analysis using statistical software MINITAB-16 and the level of fit are determined by analysis of variance.