A sequentially integrated multi-criteria optimization approach applied to laser transmission weld quality enhancement—a case study

In the present research, a sequentially integrated optimization approach, based on Taguchi method, response surface methodology, and desirability function analysis, is proposed for evaluating the optimal set of laser transmission welding parameters. Two quality characteristics namely, weld strength and weld width, and three welding parameters namely laser power, welding speed, and focal position are selected for experimental work. Taguchi quality loss function is first used to find the optimum level of control factors. The outputs of Taguchi analysis is further used in central composite design for developing response surface models. Desirability function analysis is performed next using the developed response surface models, to evaluate the optimal parameters setting by considering multiple objectives. The weld quality is improved markedly at the optimal process condition, as verified by additional confirmation tests. The performance of the proposed optimization approach is also compared with the Taguchi method and grey–Taguchi method and found that the proposed optimization approach gives better results than the other two techniques.