The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects of the weaving parameters and of the wire feed speed on the formation of a stainless steel buttering layer, aiming the process optimization by the layer height and dilution maximization. The experiments were carried out by the TIG process with wire feeding. Weaving amplitude, lateral dwell time and wire feed speed were systematically varied, through an orthogonal experimental planning, allowing finding stochastic predictive equations of the geometry resulting from the deposits. Through an optimization program, it was sought the tuning parameters to take the largest relationship between deposited and melted areas. It was chosen as restrictor the relationship bead reinforcement by bead width, avoiding deposits with high convexity and possibility of overlay formation. Welding of validation showed the robustness and confirmed the adequacy of the optimization approach. With the employed methodology, it was possible to demonstrate the need of using the fastest wire feed speed and the minimum dwell time for buttering bead optimization. The ideal amplitude is a balance between the effects of it on melted area and bead convexity, presenting a tendency for taking a value greater than the one in the middle of the central range.
TIG welding; buttering; stainless steel
