Effect of abrasive type on marble cutting performance of abrasive waterjet

Abstract

Abrasives play a critical role in the erosion process of abrasive waterjet (AWJ). Therefore, they can significantly affect the performance and profitability of cutting. In the relevant literature, there is no comprehensive study investigating the effect of abrasive type on the rock cutting performance. The current study aims to fill this gap. Various abrasives (garnet, white fused alumina, brown fused alumina, silicon carbide, glass beads, and emery powder) are used on this basis. Marble samples are cut in the tests in which the cutting parameters are kept constant. Cutting performances of the abrasives are investigated based on some performance outputs (the cutting width, cutting depth, kerf angle, and surface roughness). The study revealed that the silicon carbide and fused alumina (brown and white) present higher cutting performances in terms of the cutting depth and kerf angle. It is also concluded that the abrasives produce similar cutting widths and the glass bead produces smoother cutting surfaces. Additionally, it is demonstrated that cutting performance of the AWJ is highly affected by abrasive density and hardness.