Effect on Various Parameter of Stainless Steel 316L Weld Bead Geometry using Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) Process

This study influences the effect of various process parameters on Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) of stainless steel 316L using mild steel as substrate. CMT has a benefit of a minimal heat input, a high deposition rate, and increased efficiency. Typically, single pass weld beads are utilized for repair and remanufacturing. The geometry of the beads determines the cladding performance of additively produced components. Therefore, optimal range of bead characteristics is necessary to ensure superior mechanical qualities. The parameters includes as: welding current, travel speed and feed speed, were tuned to produce joints with complete penetration depth and zero defects. The weld bead with lower wire travel speed of (2.9 m/min) and higher wire feed speed of (4.9 m/min) at current value of (141A) shows the optimum value of (bead width: 3.56 mm, bead height: 1.72mm, weld penetration: 3.83mm and dilution: 1.5%). This was attributed to the decreases of wire travel speed and increases of wire feed speed ensuring better penetration and larger molten metal. While a higher current value causes the convexity area of the bead to rise, it displays a stronger penetration and minimal dilution.