Optimization of tribological performance of SiC embedded composite coating via Taguchi analysis approach

[摘要] Tungsten inert gas (TIG) torch is one of the most recently used heat source for surface modification of engineering parts, giving similar results to the more expensive high power laser technique. In this study, ceramic-based embedded composite coating has been produced by precoated silicon carbide (SiC) powders on the AISI 4340 low alloy steel substrate using TIG welding torch process. A design of experiment based on Taguchi approach has been adopted to optimize the TIG cladding process parameters. The L9 orthogonal array and the signal-to-noise was used to study the effect of TIG welding parameters such as arc current, travelling speed, welding voltage and argon flow rate on tribological response behaviour (wear rate, surface roughness and wear track width). The objective of the study was to identify optimal design parameter that significantly minimizes each of the surface quality characteristics. The analysis of the experimental results revealed that the argon flow rate was found to be the most influential factor contributing to the minimum wear and surface roughness of the modified coating surface. On the other hand, the key factor in reducing wear scar is the welding voltage. Finally, a convenient and economical Taguchi approach used in this study was efficient to find out optimal factor settings for obtaining minimum wear rate, wear scar and surface roughness responses in TIG-coated surfaces.

[发布机构] Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Darul Salam, Gombak, Selangor; 53100, Malaysia^1;Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria^2

[效力级别] 无线电电子学 [学科分类] 航空航天科学

[关键词] Influential factors;L9 orthogonal arrays;Optimal design parameters;Process parameters;Quality characteristic;Silicon carbides (SiC);Tribological performance;Tribological response