Modeling and optimization of joint quality for laser transmission joint of thermoplastic using an artificial neural network and a genetic algorithm

A central composite rotatable experimental design(CCRD) is conducted to design experiments for laser transmission joining of thermoplastic-Polycarbonate (PC). The artificial neural network was used to establish the relationships between laser transmission joining process parameters (the laser power, velocity, clamp pressure, scanning number) and joint strength and joint seam width. The developed mathematical models are tested by analysis of variance (ANOVA) method to check their adequacy and the effects of process parameters on the responses and the interaction effects of key process parameters on the quality are analyzed and discussed. Finally, the desirability function coupled with genetic algorithm is used to carry out the optimization of the joint strength and joint width. The results show that the predicted results of the optimization are in good agreement with the experimental results, so this study provides an effective method to enhance the joint quality.

► This paper is made to study the optimization of joint quality for laser transmission joining.
► ANN was used to establish the model between the process parameters and the joint quality.
► The effects of process parameters on the joint quality are analyzed and discussed.
► Finally, GA is used to conduct the optimization of the joint quality.
► This study provides an instruction to enhance the joint quality.