Optimization of process parameters for friction stir lap welding of carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites by Taguchi method

Friction stir welding process parameters such as welding speed, rotational speed and tilt angle affect the strength of the weld joint. For maximizing the weld strength, these process parameters must therefore be properly selected and optimized. This study presents an application of Taguchi method to optimize process parameters like welding speed, rotational speed and tilt angle to maximize lap weld tensile-shear strength in 4 mm thick polypropylene composite sheets with 20 wt% carbon fiber. To this end, a L9 orthogonal array of Taguchi method using three factors at three levels was used. Analysis of variance and confirmation tests were conducted. The results indicated that welding speed, rotational speed and tilt angle are respectively the significant parameters affecting the lap weld strength. Optimization results also showed that tensile-shear strength of 6.06 MPa was obtained when welding speed, rotational speed and tilt angle were 25 mm/min, 1250 rpm and 1 degree, respectively.