An Experimental Research on Abrasive Water Jet Polishing of the Hard Brittle Ceramics

Abstract

Abrasive water jet (AWJ) technology, due to its potential advantages, is a promising machining method for precision machining brittle materials. In this research, the AlN ceramics was polished using an AWJ machining system. A considerable processing quality has been achieved and a reduction up to 62% of the surface roughness has been obtained. Effects of different process parameters on the surface roughness of the polished workpiece were analyzed. Under the current conditions of the experiments, using a lower impact angle, smaller abrasives and a lower nozzle traverse speed may be appropriate for polishing AlN ceramics.