Comparison of non-traditional technologies for material cutting from the point of view of surface roughness

Abstract

The contribution deals with comparing non-traditional cutting technologies from the point of view of generated surface roughness. The comparison is carried out for technologies of abrasive waterjet cutting, oxygen cutting, laser and plasma cutting. As an experimental material, EN S355J0 structural steel and titanium CP-Ti Grade 2 was used. Surface topography measurement was done using a Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-401 instrument, and an optical profilometer MicroProf FRT was used for comparison and verification of acquired surface data. The aim of the contribution is to clarify, on the basis of experimental measurements, the behaviour of a topographic function after various ways of cutting; the knowledge of the function is necessary for solving both theoretical and practical technological tasks. The topographic function, which is a basis for the prediction of quality and control of the cutting processes, was derived in an original way. The use of individual technologies depends on technical and economical possibilities and on environmental influences. The results of measurement of cut surface roughness are in good accordance with the results of theoretical analysis.