Optimization of Laser Beam Welding Parameters for 90/10 Cupronickel Alloy Welds Using Taguchi Method

This study is to identify the most important control elements that will result in improve the tensile strength of Laser Beam Welded Cu-Ni 90/10 alloy joints. The different laser welding process parameters and levels were used for joining of Cu-Ni alloy. The process parameters like Laser Power (LP), Shielding Gas (argon) (SG), Focal Position (FP), & Welding Speed (WS) were chosen in the experimental study. The welding was carried on 4mm thick plate as per Taguchi’s experimental design. The mechanical properties were evaluated and microstructural observations were carried out. It was discovered that highest tensile strength of 234 MPa & hardness of 83 Hv were obtained which has 90 % and 87 % of the base material. The most influential optimal process parameters were determined using S/N analysis and the percentage contribution of each process parameter was estimated using ANOVA. It was found that laser power was influential parameter with a 64 % contribution in obtaining highest strength of laser welded joints. The experimental values and the results of the confirmation experiments were in good agreement.