A Review on Current Research and Development in Abrasive Waterjet Machining

Abstract

Abrasive waterjet machining (AWJM) is an emerging machining technology option for hard material parts that are extremely difficult-to-machine by conventional machining processes. A narrow stream of high velocity water mixed with abrasive particles gives relatively inexpensive and environment friendly production with reasonably high material removal rate. Because of that abrasive waterjet machining has become one of the leading manufacturing technologies in a relatively short period of time. This paper reviews the research work carried out from the inception to the development of AWJM within the past decade. It reports on the AWJM research relating to improving performance measures, monitoring and control of process, optimizing the process variables. A wide range of AWJM industrial applications for different category of material are reported with variations. The paper also discusses the future trend of research work in the same area.