OPTIMIZATION OF LASER BUTT WELDING OF STAINLESS STEEL 316L USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

Laser butt welding of stainless steel was investigated using a remote laser welding system. Weld width, weld area and tensile strength (Rm) were examined using response surface methodology (RSM), due to the process parameters being critical for the welding process. The objective was to determine the optimal processing parameters for the highest tensile strength. Numerical and graphical optimization techniques were used. In this study, optimal solutions were determined. These solutions improve weld quality, increase the strength and minimize the front weld width and back weld width in order to obtain a small heat affected zone.