PARAMETRIC OPTIMISATION OF LASER WELDING OF STAINLESS STEEL 316L

This paper presents numerical and experimental studies focused on the optimisation of laser welding parameters for AISI 316L stainless steel. The focus of the numerical studies was to obtain the mathematical model with the least time complexity and the highest fidelity. Based on the comparison of different mathematical models, a combination of two models, double ellipsoidal and conical models, was found to be optimal for the numerical simulation of the laser welding process. The studies were also complemented by material characterization studies for validation purpose. A pulse duration of 8 milliseconds and a current of 400 amperes with an average power of 380 W were found to be the optimum parameters for laser welding of standard gauge 12 sheet of stainless steel AISI 316L. In addition, the effect of duty factor of the pulsed laser beam on the weld profile was also investigated and was found to be a major contributor to the optimisation process. The properties of the sample welded with the optimised set of parameters were also compared with the base metal, and based on the mechanical characterisation studies, it was found that the yield strength and hardness of the welded sample were improved, but the overall ductility was slightly reduced as compared to the base metal. The average weld zone size was also reduced by increasing the power density due to multiple reflections of the beam.