Recent Progress Trend on Abrasive Waterjet Cutting of Metallic Materials: A Review

Abstract

Abrasive water jet machining has been extensively used for cutting various materials. In particular, it has been applied for difficult-to-cut materials, mostly metals, which are used in various manufacturing processes in the fabrication industry. Due to its vast applications, in-depth comprehension of the systems behind its cutting process is required to determine its effective usage. This paper presents a review of the progress in the recent trends regarding abrasive waterjet cutting application to extend the understanding of the significance of cutting process parameters. This review aims to append a substantial understanding of the recent improvement of abrasive waterjet machine process applications, and its future research and development regarding precise cutting operations in metal fabrication sectors. To date, abrasive waterjet fundamental mechanisms, process parameter improvements and optimization reports have all been highlighted. This review can be a relevant reference for future researchers in investigating the precise machining of metallic materials or characteristic developments in the identification of the significant process parameters for achieving better results in abrasive waterjet cutting operations.

Analysis and Optimization of Process Parameters in Abrasive Waterjet Contour Cutting of AISI 304L

“…The designated levels of variable and constant input parameters were based on consensus from recommended control ranges for abrasive waterjet machining in previous investigations [37][38][39]. Abrasive type efficiency is indicated by level of hardness; thus, a more rigid material requires a harder abrasive particle [15,40]. A Garnet of 80 mesh size with a hardness of MOHS 7-8 was used in this study due to its better surface integrity results, in accordance with previous related studies [15].…”

“…Figures 10-12 exhibited a similar trend of decreasing waviness pattern on the cut surface, as the abrasive mass flow rate is increasing from 300 g/min to 500 g/min with constant rates for traverse speed and waterjet pressure of 90 mm/min and 300 MPa, respectively. A higher abrasive mass flow results in a breakdown of abrasive particles into smaller scales, producing more sharp edges which are responsible for decreasing the roughness of the cut surface [40].…”

Impacts of Traverse Speed and Material Thickness on Abrasive Waterjet Contour Cutting of Austenitic Stainless Steel AISI 304L

“…Contour cutting involves various It is evident from Figure 1 that a lower kerf taper angle can be attained by utilising a lower traverse speed, whereas a higher rate of material removal can be obtained by increasing traverse speed. Accordingly, traverse speed is directly proportional to the material removal rate but inversely proportional to kerf taper [23]. Previous studies have applied specific material thicknesses in their AWJM experiments.…”

Assessment of the Technological Quality of X5CRNI18-10 Steel Parts after Laser and Abrasive Water Jet Cutting Using Synthetic Index of Technological Quality

“…Diversity of cut materials is related to the fact that they are used in many spheres of human activity: industry, medicine, services, etc. The diversity of properties of materials to be cut makes it necessary to use different methods and ways of cutting [1][2][3][4].…”

“…The advantages of this technique include: obtaining high quality cutting surface, no structural changes of the material at the edges (no heat affected zone), no thermal deformation, high surface cleanliness, short process preparation and finishing times and high process efficiency. This method is particularly profitable for small and medium series of products [3][4][5]14,15]. Water jet cutting using a highly compressed water jet allows cutting almost all soft materials such as insulation materials, cardboard, etc.…”