ABSTRACT
Union of structures or metallic parts in the metalworking industry is usually accomplished by electric arc welding. Coated electrodes are welding consumables composed of two elements, the electrode core wire and the ceramic coating. Taking into account the coated electrodes, there is a special family of products called stainless steel electrodes that has a high rate of rejection during the production process due to the high level of fragility. Bearing this in mind and in order to understand the relations present in each phase of this process, this work aims at creating a mathematical model using Artificial Neural Networks which represents the manufacturing process of the stainless steel coated electrodes. The cost involved for performing a production test of the stainless steel electrodes may reach US$1,359.60. Thus, in order to minimize the trial costs, this work proposes to develop a model of tests in a laboratory which represents a real manufacturing process.
