Optimization of TIG-MIG hybrid welding of 316L austenitic stainless steel

In the TIG-MIG hybrid welding, higher weld efficiency and better weld quality are obtained with respect to each individual TIG and MIG welding methods. Moreover, in this method, the MIG arc is more stable in pure argon shielding gas. Therefore, in this study, the influence of TIG-MIG hybrid welding parameters on the welds appearance quality and welds depth to width ratio of a 316L austenitic stainless steel was investigated using optimum parameters of Taguchi design of experiments (DOE). Microstructure of the heat affected zone (HAZ) obtained from the hybrid welding was compared with those of each individual MIG and TIG welding techniques under equal heat-input condition. The results indicated that the most important parameter in the hybrid method to obtain the best appearance quality and the highest depth to width ratio is the distance between the two arcs. The MIG and TIG currents are the next influencing parameters. The width of HAZ and the size of constituent grains in hybrid welding with optimum parameter, were smaller than those of each individual TIG and MIG processes due to the higher associated cooling rate in the hybrid welding technique.