Sensitivity analysis for process parameters influencing weld quality in robotic GMA welding process

Generally, the quality of a weld joint is strongly influenced by process parameters during the welding process. In order to achieve high quality welds, mathematical models that can predict the bead geometry to accomplish the desired mechanical properties of the weldment should be developed. This paper focuses on development of mathematical models for the selection of process parameters and the prediction of bead geometry (bead width, bead height, and penetration) in robotic gas metal arc (GMA) welding. A sensitivity analysis has also been conducted and compared with the relative impact of three process parameters on bead geometry in order to verify the measurement errors on the values of the uncertainty in estimated parameters. The results obtained show that developed mathematical models can be applied to estimate the effectiveness of process parameters for a given bead geometry, and a change of process parameters affects the bead width and bead height more strongly than penetration relatively.