What is Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) Process: Introduction, Working Principle, Application, Advantages, Dis-Advantages

Introduction:-

Abrasive water jet machining was first developed within the year 1974.

AWJM is a well-established non-traditional machining process. Abrasive water jet machining makes use of the principles of each abrasive jet machining and water jet machining. AWJM is a non-conventional machining process where the material is disposed of by sway disintegration of high-pressure the high speed of water and entrained high speed of coarseness abrasives on a piece of work.

Working Principle:-

 

In Abrasive Water Jet Machining, the rough particles are blended in with water and constrained through the little nozzle at a high pressing factor so the grating slurry encroaches on the work surface at high speed.

Each of the two components of the jet, i.e., the water and also the abrasive materials have separate functions and supportive purposes. The main role of the abrasive material within the jet stream is to supply the erosive forces.

The water in the jet goes about as the coolant and conveys both the rough material and disintegrated material to clear the work as demonstrated in fig.

Various varieties of abrasives are used in rough water-fly machining like garnet, aluminum oxide, olivine, silica sand, silicon carbide, etc.

 

Applications of AWJM:-

• Abrasive water jet cutting is exceptionally utilized in aviation, car, and hardware enterprises.
• In aviation enterprises, parts, for example, titanium bodies for military airplanes, motor segments (aluminum. titanium, and warmth safe combinations), aluminum body parts, and inside lodge parts are made utilizing grating water fly cutting.
• In auto ventures, parts like inside trim (main events, trunk liners, and entryway boards) and fiberglass body segments and guards are made by this cycle.
• Also, in hardware enterprises, circuit sheets and conveys stripping is framed by rough water stream cutting.

Advantages of AWJM:-

• In most cases, no secondary finishing required.

• No cutter-induced distortion.

• Low cutting forces on workpieces.

• Limited tooling requirements.

• Little to no cutting burr.

• Typical finish 125-250 microns.

• Smaller kerfs size reduces material wastages.

• No heat-affected zone.

• No cutter-induced metal contamination.

• Eliminates thermal distortion.

• No slag or cutting dross.

• Exact, multi-plane cutting of forms, shapes, and inclines of any point.

Disadvantages of AWJM:-

• Cannot drill flat bottom.

• Can't cut materials that debase rapidly with dampness.

• Surface completion debases at higher cut rates which are habitually utilized for harsh cuts.