Experimental Study of the LSC-GMAW Welding Process Using 304 L Stainless Steel

In the recent years, numerical simulation of the welding process has become more widely used, mainly owing to advances in computer technology and the prevalence of commercial software. However, one of the main challenges of welding simulation is the accuracy of heat source modeling. This paper investigates Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) with Lower Spatter Control (LSC) on an experimental basis, aiming to determine the parameters of the heat source for improved numerical prediction of weld temperature, distortion, and stress. The weld bead geometry was characterized and transient temperatures were recorded at particular points on the substrate close to the weld bead using K-type thermocouples. The results revealed that modifying welding speed can affect temperature distribution and weld bead construction. The choice of welding speed is a critical factor in determining the quality and efficiency of a welding process. The study suggests optimizing the welding process parameters, to control the heat input and cooling rate during welding, which can considerably affect the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the weld bead.