Opportunities in abrasive water-jet machining

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1997

Abstract

Machining with abrasive waterjets has many advantages over other machining technologies. The most important advantages are: no heat is generated in the workpiece, low machining forces on the workpiece, machining of a wide range of materials is possible and free contouring possibilities without the need of material or geometry specific tools. The main application is abrasive waterjet cutting (AWJC) for separation of sheet materials, although other processes as abrasive waterjet milling (AWJM) and turning (AWJT) exist. The limited use of abrasive waterjet machining up to now is due to high machine and maintenance costs, and the still somewhat unpredictable results of the machining processes. Proper modelling of the material removal process can improve that. This report describes the developments in equipment and process models which make it possible to exploit the advantages of abrasive waterjet technology completely, thereby eliminating or minimising the disadvantages. It is mainly based on several discussions held at STC-"E" meetings in recent years and on input provided by many CIRP-members. Abrasive waterjet machining.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology

Volume

46

Issue

2

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