Optimization of Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) cutting process accuracy

Abstract

This paper aims to optimize the accuracy of the Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) cutting process. The AWJ technology is a fast-growing production technology that competes with conventional machining methods due to its ability to cut various materials and conduct precise cutting of complex contours. In this research, the AWJ cutting process was tested on 18CrNiMo7-6 steel using almandine garnet type J80A as the abrasive material. The Taguchi method was used to optimize the process parameters. As control parameters chosen abrasive flow rate, pressure, and traverse speed. The output parameters measured were surface roughness and taper angle. The results shown managed to find the optimal combinations of control process parameters causing the lowest surface roughness and taper angle. The study provides insights into how the Taguchi method can be used to optimize the AWJ cutting process to achieve greater accuracy.