Experimental investigation of abrasive properties in waterjet machining

Abrasive waterjet (AWJ) machining has proven to be one of the most flexible non-conventional production techniques for difficult-to-machine materials. However, the prediction of process results is challenging since multiple physical processes occur simultaneously. Until now, the use of alternative abrasive material for special applications has received limited attention. In this work, different solid materials of altered shape and mechanical properties were used to analyze the physical phenomena experimentally. A ceramic and a steel abrasive material of either circular or angular geometry were used. The experiments were conducted by AWJ controlled-depth machining on 42CrMo4 steel in various structural modifications regarding the interference of particle interactions. Furthermore the study aims to gain a fundamental understanding of the AWJ erosion process of different abrasive grit for a better prediction and optimization of AWJ machining, in particular for future applications.