Abrasive WaterjetMachiningChuck GallantBaris AkcoraAndy Grueninger
Chuck Gallant Baris Akcora Andy Grueninger
Introduction to WaterjetFastest growing machining process One of the most versatile machining processes Compliments other technologies such as milling,laser, EDM, plasma and routersTrue cold cutting process - no HAZ, mechanicalstresses or operator and environmental hazardsNot limited to machining - food industryapplications
Introduction to Waterjet Fastest growing machining process One of the most versatile machining processes Compliments other technologies such as milling, laser, EDM, plasma and routers True cold cutting process – no HAZ, mechanical stresses or operator and environmental hazards Not limited to machining – food industry applications
History Dr. Franz in 195o's first studied UHP water cutting forforestry and wood cutting (pure WJ)1979 Dr. Mohamed Hashish added abrasive particles toincrease cutting force and ability to cut hard materialsincluding steel, glass and concrete (abrasive WJ)First commercial use was in automotive industry to cutglass in 1983Soon after, adopted by aerospace industry for cuttinghigh-strength materials like Inconel, stainless steeland titanium as well as composites like carbon fiber
History Dr. Franz in 1950’s first studied UHP water cutting for forestry and wood cutting (pure WJ) 1979 Dr. Mohamed Hashish added abrasive particles to increase cutting force and ability to cut hard materials including steel, glass and concrete (abrasive WJ) First commercial use was in automotive industry to cut glass in 1983 Soon after, adopted by aerospace industry for cutting high-strength materials like Inconel, stainless steel and titanium as well as composites like carbon fiber
Pure WJCutting Pure cuts soft materials - corrugated cardboarddisposable diapers, tissue papers, automotive interiorsVery thin stream (0.004-0.010 dia)Extremely detailed geometryVery little material loss due to cuttingCan cut thick, soft, light materials like fiberglassinsulation up to 24" thick or thin, fragile materialsVery low cutting forces and simple fixturingWater jet erodes work at kerf line into small particles
Pure WJ Cutting Pure cuts soft materials – corrugated cardboard, disposable diapers, tissue papers, automotive interiors Very thin stream (0.004-0.010 dia) Extremely detailed geometry Very little material loss due to cutting Can cut thick, soft, light materials like fiberglass insulation up to 24” thick or thin, fragile materials Very low cutting forces and simple fixturing Water jet erodes work at kerf line into small particles
Pure WJ Cutting cont.Water inlet pressurebetween 2ok-6ok psiForced through hole inInletWaterjewel 0.007-0.020" diaSapphires, Rubies with50-10o hour lifeJewelDiamond with 8oo.2,ooo hour life, butthey are pricey
Pure WJ Cutting cont. Water inlet pressure between 20k-60k psi Forced through hole in jewel 0.007-0.020” dia Sapphires, Rubies with 50-100 hour life Diamond with 800- 2,000 hour life, but they are pricey