The Taguchi and Response Surface Method for Optimizing Orbital Pipe Welding Parameters in Pulsed Current Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (PC-GTAW) for SS316L

This study employed advanced statistical techniques to optimize pulse current gas tungsten arc welding orbital parameters on SS316L stainless steel pipes, a unique autogenous welding process. The experiment maintained an average peak current of 100 ± 0.5 A, and analysis of variance assessed the impact of welding parameters on tensile strength, distortion, ovality, tapers, and bead width. Despite a small dataset, the Taguchi technique revealed intricate interactions, identifying optimal settings for maximum tensile strength and minimal distortion. Response surface methodology created area plots, enhancing understanding of parameter-response relationships. The recommended specifications, determined through careful examination, achieved a working cycle of 66.5%, a peak current of 114.7 A, and impressive tensile strength of 661.4 MPa with minimal distortion. Experimental validation confirmed the model's credibility, offering valuable insights for practitioners to enhance welding quality, precision, and efficiency.