Computer Aided Manufacturing for Three-Dimensional Abrasive Water Jet Machining

This paper presents a systematic approach to computer aided manufacturing for two and three-dimensional abrasive water jet applications. On the turning point to using the abrasive water jet in industrial production lines e.g. in automobile or aerospace industry as well as in machine shops for high quality and precision machining further demands have to be satisfied. With the described system for water jet cutting the actual shape of the tool can be modeled and so the cutting edge contour can be stimulated. Using the result of the simulation both linear and angular tool path correction can be realized and an optimized cutting path is generated. Also machining strategies to meet demands for high contour accuracy, high cutting speed and high surface quality are integrated. With computer aided manufacturing production cost can be decreased by reducing labor and machine resources spend for preparation, the machining process can be optimized, and industrial standards for accuracy, reliabilit y and efficiency will be met.