An Experimental Study of Radial-Mode Abrasive Waterjet Turning of Steels

An experimental study of a radial-mode abrasive waterjet (AWJ) turning of AISI4340 high tensile steel is presented. The major process parameters, i.e. feed speed, waterjet pressure, abrasive flow rate, nozzle tilt angle, and workpiece surface speed, are considered in a statistical experimental design. The advantages of the radial-mode AWJ turning over the offset-mode turning include maximum jet energy utilization, high surface speed, a variety of nozzle tilt angles and small nozzle standoff distance, to enable high material removal rate (MRR). It is found that the depth of cut is considerably increased when large nozzle tilt angle and high surface speed are used. It also shows that feed speed and waterjet pressure are the two most significant parameters to control the MRR. This preliminary study suggests that the radial-mode AWJ turning is feasible and can yield high material removal rates. Future research to advance the knowledge about this new machining process is also proposed.