Recycling of Abrasives and Process Water in the Abrasive Water Jet Technique

Abstract

Abrasive water jet cutting is gaining in point as an innovative technique for processing technical materials, including jetting for deforming, surface treatment, machining, cleaning, and surface strengthening. A key factor for the successful introduction and acceptance of this new jet cutting technology is the possibility for recycling the process waste, i. e., process water with abrasive particles and metal from the treated workpiece. In this study, a recycling concept is presented which in laboratory tests has proved to be an economical and environmentally gentle solution to close the material circuit of cutting water and abrasives.