Abstract

This paper considers the process electron beam welding of stainless steel type 1H18NT in vacuum. Based on experimental data, the influence of the variations of the following process parameters: electron beam power, welding velocity, the distances from the magnetic lens of the electron gun to the beam focus and to the surface of the treated sample is investigated.

Neural and regression models for the geometry characteristics of the welded joints: surface of the weld cross-sections, weld depths and mean weld widths of the samples are estimated, as well as models for defining the areas of the process parameters, where the appearance of defects is or is not expected. The obtained models are used for developing the graphical user interface aiming investigation and prediction of the electron beam welding characteristics and process parameter optimization. This software can be implemented for supporting the operator’s choice of appropriate work regimes, obtaining the required welds quality standards, for education and investigations.