ABRASIVE WATER-JET CUTTING BY MOSES DHILIP KUMAR
Abrasive water jet cutting is an
extended version of water jet cutting; in which the water jet contains abrasive
particles such as silicon carbide or aluminium oxide in order to increase the
material removal rate above that of water jet machining.
Almost
any type of material ranging from hard brittle materials such as ceramics,
metals and glass to extremely soft materials such as foam and rubbers can be
cut by abrasive water jet cutting.
WORKING
PRINCIPLE :
The
narrow cutting stream and computer controlled movement enables this process to
produce parts accurately and efficiently. This machining process is especially
ideal for cutting materials that cannot be cut by laser or thermal cut.
Metallic, non-metallic and advanced composite materials of various thicknesses
can be cut by this process. This process is particularly suitable for heat
sensitive materials that cannot be machined by processes that produce heat
while machining.
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The schematic of abrasive water jet cutting is similar to water jet
cutting apart from some more features underneath the jewel; namely abrasive,
guard and mixing tube. In this process, high velocity water exiting the jewel
creates a vacuum which sucks abrasive from the abrasive line, which mixes
with the water in the mixing tube to form a high velocity beam of abrasives.
Advantages
of abrasive water jet cutting
·
In most of the cases, no secondary finishing
required
·
No cutter induced distortion
·
Low cutting forces on work pieces
·
Limited tooling requirements
·
Little to no cutting burr
·
Typical finish 125-250 microns
·
Smaller kerf size reduces material wastage
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No heat affected zone
·
Localities structural changes
·
No cutter induced metal contamination
·
Eliminates thermal distortion
·
No slag or cutting dross
·
Precise, multi plane cutting of contours,
shapes, and bevels of any angle.
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THANK YOU DEAR READERS
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