Abstract
In GMA welding processes, bead contour and penetration patterns are criterion to estimate weld quality. Bead geometry is commonly defined with width, height and depth. When weaving is taken into account, selection of welding conditions is known to be difficult. Thus, empirical or trial-and-error method are usually introduced. This study examined the correlation of welding process variables including weaving parameters with bead geometry using srtificial neural networks(ANN). The main task of the Ann estimator is to realize the mapping characteristics from the sampled welding process variables to the actual bead geometry through training. After the neural network model is constructed, welding process variables for desired bead geometry is selected by inverse model. Experimental varification of the inverse model is conducted through actual welding.