Optimization of T-Joints Laser Robotic Welding Procedure Parameters from AISI 321 Stainless Steel

Enterprises that produce finished products from sheet material are usually focused on fulfilling orders of a wide range. The wide range and small volumes of batches of products force such enterprises to often readjust their technological equipment. Due to the fact that the readjustment affects the entire technological chain of sheet material processing, flexible technological solutions are of high value. Introduction of the robotic welding complexes allows to pass quickly from one to another operation of laser welding of various details. Reducing the weight of products by reducing the thickness of welded parts is a common trend for the above industries. It aims to reduce the cost of products to increase their competitiveness. At the same time, reducing the thickness of parts encourages manufacturers to find ways to increase the structural strength of products. The task for technologists is to optimize the parameters of technological processes of welding to obtain high-quality welded joints with not only the required design, but also with a given geometry, the necessary parameters of the structure and the level of physical and mechanical properties. The aim of this work is to optimize the parameters of laser welding procedure of AISI 321 stainless steel T-joints according to three different technological procedures for their further use in the library of robotic welding complex. The optimal modes for three welding procedures are established, which ensure the production of defect-free structures, the formation of a given geometry and the highest level of mechanical properties.