The optimization of welding processes is not a trivial task, mainly due to the great number of exigible and desirable characteristics that must be analyzed. Moreover, the optimization of a welding process with multiple characteristics without to consider the variance-covariance structure, may lead to inadequate optimum. To help in this task, a method of multiobjective optimization based in the Multivariate Mean Square Error applied in the study of multiple correlated characteristics of a FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) welding process will be presented. This method characterized by a combined approach based in the Response Surface Methodology, Design of Experiments and Principal Components Analysis consisted in an attempt to achieve the nearest values to specific targets, for each studied characteristic (penetration, deposition rate, deposition efficiency, convexity index of the weld bead and dilution) considering the welding variables expressed in function of welding voltage (V), wire feed speed (Va) and the contact tip to workpiece distance (d). The results point out a good adequacy of the proposed method.
Multivariate Mean Square Error (MMSE); FCAW; Design of Experiments; Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
