Optimization of hot plate welding parameters of glass fibered reinforced Polyamide 6 (PA6 GF15) composite material by Taguchi method

Abstract

In this study, the effect of four welding parameters on hot plate welding of polymer composite, polyamide 6 (PA6) with 15 %wt glass fiber reinforcement (PA6 GF15) was investigated. The parameters considered are the plate temperature (PT), heating time (HT), welding displacement (WD), and welding time (WT). Three levels for each parameter were selected. For hot plate welding process of the specimens, L9 orthogonal array was used within the frame of Taguchi experimental design method. The tensile strengths of the joints were examined by using analysis of variances, and optimum welding strength was compared with the results obtained from confirmation run. As a result of the ongoing analysis, it has been observed that in PA6 GF15 polymer composite, 270°C of plate temperature, 1 mm of the welding displacement stroke, and 25s of heating time were the optimum combination suggested by Taguchi method. The welding strength was improved approximately 27% from initial welding parameters.