Practical study of inclusiveness properties of PI and SMC ideas for control of GMAW

GMAW is a complete arc welding process. It is equipped to create all types of joints of desirable quality involving virtually all metals of any thickness in any position. However, in doing so there are parametric shifts in arc gap or load characteristics. Change in materials such as shielding gas, weld metal and work piece etc. influence the operating point of the process. Moreover, the controller needs to ensure smooth starting, normal operation and also its stopping where multiple dynamic activities such as melting rate, droplet transfer, re-ignition post short circuit and spatter rate are optimized. It is ideal for end users if one controller or equipment can have grip of control over activities of entire process. This article explores practicability criteria of popular PI and SMC control ideas to inclusively achieve control over complete process requirement of GMAW to cater its application prospects.