Investigation of the effect of parameters on mechanical and microstructural properties of arc stud welding

Arc stud welding (ASW) is used to weld predominantly metal studs to metal plates. This welding process plays an important role in the field of steel structures, bridge building, shipbuilding, vehicle manufacture, manufacture of household appliances and steam boiler construction. Due to its vital importance, it is very important to determine the influencing parameters on determining the mechanical and microstructural properties of weldment. In this study, AISI 304 stainless steel studs were welded with the same type of base plate and the effect of arc stud welding parameters like welding current, welding time, lift and plunge on the mechanical and microstructural properties were experimentally investigated. Due to the number of factors and their levels a statistical technique design of experiment (DOE) was used. Tensile strength, bending and hardness properties of the welding joints were exposed with the microstructural evaluation.