Optimization of Elemental Weight % in Microwave-Processed Joints of SS304/SS316 Using Taguchi Philosophy
Abstract
In this work, microwave-processed similar and dissimilar joints of SS304-SS304, SS304-SS316 and SS316-SS316 were fabricated using microwave hybrid heating technique. Workpieces were projected with electromagnetic energy radiations of a household microwave source with fixed frequency of 2.45GHz at 800W; about 99.8% pure Ni powder of different sizes 70nm, 20μm and 50μm was used as interface material between the welded joints. The experiments were carried out as per Taguchi philosophy of optimization-based L9 orthogonal array. Workpiece materials (SS304-SS304, SS304-SS316, SS316-SS316), interface material (70nm, 20μm, 50μm) and process time (360, 390, 420s) were selected as three input process parameters. Physical characterization of the joints was performed through energy dispersive spectroscopy to find out the central elements by weight % present in the joining region of the joints, and the results were taken as output parameters. Optimization of elemental weight % in microwave-processed joints of SS304/SS316 was the prime output of this present work with investigation to the existence of Ni, Fe, Cr and C elements in the produced joints under the influence of different input parameters through microwave joining method.
