Development of Cuttability Abacuses in Abrasive Waterjet Cutting With Regard to Depth of Cut and Roughness of Cut Surfaces

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study is to develop a cuttability abacus, including traverse speed and pump pressure, with regard to depth of cut and roughness-of-cut surface in the cutting operation using an abrasive waterjet on limestone, commercially named Sivrihisar Light Beige. For this purpose, cuttings were realized with an abrasive waterjet cutting machine at six different traverse speeds (400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mm/min) and six different pump pressures (90, 120, 180, 230, 300, and 360 MPa) with constant standoff distance, abrasive flow rate, and nozzle diameter depending on the factorial design of the experiment by using Design Expert 7.1. Experimental measurements using a digital caliper for the depth of cut and a Surftest SJ-400 surface roughness tester for roughness, after the cutting operations, were also carried out. As a result, a cuttability abacus for a limestone sample was developed for abrasive waterjet cutting, and is presented in this study. These abacuses could be of help in the natural stone industry with regard to a more efficient usage of the abrasive waterjet cutting machine. By using them, it is easy to specify the depth of cut and roughness values in different operational parameters before starting the cutting operation. These abacuses also can be used in the machining and engraving of marble slabs and tiles for technical and artistic purposes.