Preliminary Investigation of the Cutting Edge Preparation of Carbide Tools Using the Abrasive Water Injection Jet Technology

In order to increase the tool life of carbide tools by applying a defined mechanically stable cutting edge geometry and removing micro defects and cracks, a cutting edge preparation process can be applied. As a novel technology, the high-pressure abrasive water injection jet technology can be used. The small jet diameter and high abrasive particle velocity result in an efficient material removal localized directly on the cutting edge. In this research work, the application of this technology for preparing carbide punching tools is analyzed and discussed. To gain insights into this novel preparation procedure, an experimental analysis using a 6-axis abrasive water injection jet test stand with a jet diameter of 0.3 mm applying water pressures up to 300 MPa was conducted. The aim of this analysis was to conduct a preliminary investigation of the application of this technology as a cutting edge preparation process, as well as describing the influence of process parameters on the prepared cutting edge radius.