Simplifying abrasive waterjet cutting process for rapid manufacturing

Abstract

Abrasive waterjet machining (AWJ) is a nontraditional machining process offering a good quality cut with low heat affected zone, but similar to other CNC machines, AWJ machine is not flexible and not user friendly. Many lines of G-code commands are required for generating tool path to perform any contour cut. The more complex the contour is, the longer and more complicated the tool path program will be. Consequently, working on a new contour, unavoidably, consumes time, is prone to error, and requires experience. This research focuses on improving man-machine interface that allows inexperience users to complete cutting any complicated contours in very short period of time without writing a single G-code. A two-axis servo table with a user-friendly LabVIEW-based program that allows a user to input commands by dragging a mouse to draw a desired shape has been developed and tested by cutting ceramic tiles. The cut quality is comparable, but tool path generation is effortless. This research makes it possible to achieve several quality cuts of different contours in minutes rather than in days. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2009.