Optimising the AWJ cutting process of ductile materials using nozzle oscillation technique

Striations and roughness on workpiece surfaces produced by abrasive waterjet (AWJ) have been the most persistent problems that stand in the way of wider applications of the technology in industry. This paper presents the experimental investigation on the impact of using nozzle oscillation cutting technique in minimising or reducing these AWJ cut surface irregularities. The technique was used for cutting ductile materials, i.e. mild steel and aluminium, at various traverse speeds, oscillation angles and frequencies of oscillation. The results show that by oscillating the nozzle during cutting, the improvement in surface finish as measured by centre-line average R-a can be obtained by as much as 30%. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.