Optimisation of Weld Overlay Cladding Parameters Using Full-Factorial Design of Experiment

Weld Overlay Cladding (WOC) shares the same scientific principals as conventional welding where there are multiple governing factors that control the process and outcome. The present work employs a Design of Experiment (DoE) approach to optimising process parameters for cladding a nickel superalloy onto low alloy steel with the aim to improve productivity and quality. The arc current, the clad metal heating current were identified as the key process variables for this stage of experimentation. A full-factorial 4-by-2 test was carried out to identify the optimal levels. Results showed that there is a mild positive trend between the height of individual strings of beads and both variables. However no relationship was established with the depth of penetration, nor with the height of single or double layer stacks. The optimal level of the variables was therefore chosen to be the one that has the highest productivity rate as there were no significant differences. Further experimentation has been planned and described in this paper.