Multi-output Response Optimization for Overall Enhancement of Mechanical Characteristics Using Utility Approach for AISI 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel Using Microplasma Arc Welding

This paper presents multi-output advancement for microplasma arc welding (MPAW) process using utility methodology. It is an advanced unconventional welding process in which very thin (usually less than 1 mm) metal surfaces are joined using plasma arc. A successful trial has been made to weld 0.5-mm-thick 316L stainless steel sheet. An attempt has been made to optimize the MPAW parameters for a desired equal-weighted multi-output such as ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, percentage elongation, Young’s modulus, and weld hardness at fusion zone and heat-affected zone. The design of experiments L27 orthogonal matrix was conducted using levels of several visually successful trials. An analytical tool analysis of variance and interaction has been clubbed with utility approach to get desired aim of experimentation. As per different work application, the different preferable weight can be incorporated into the output. The confirmation test correlated with the best-desired aim of the output parameter. It was observed that overall utility for all mechanical properties and corresponding S/N ratio is enhanced with 0.28 and 0.42 values, respectively. It was found that welding speed with 49.01% and pulse time with 13.21% are the most significant parameters. The enhancement in the responses confirmed the approach of the feasibility of utility analysis which can help to enhance the product reliability for an industrial application.