High Precision Machining of Hybrid Layer Composites by Abrasive Waterjet Cutting

In industrial applications the increasing variety of high performance materials and their combination to material composites is challenging for the common machining processes. Their high application range combined with minimal forces and no significant thermal loads predestinates abrasive waterjet cutting for machining such complex structures. This paper verifies the high precision machinability of 2D- and 3D-layer composites out of CFRP and a lightweight metal such as aluminum or magnesium using the abrasive waterjet. Therefore, different cutting strategies were determined as well as process influences to the joining zone and characteristics of the machined component.