An investigation on surface roughness of aluminium metal matrix composites cut by abrasive waterjet

Abstract

Abrasive waterjet cutting is a new, growing technology and is used to cut difficult to cut materials. Surface roughness of abrasive waterjet cut materials is an important output parameter. In this study an attempt is made to investigate the average surface roughness value of aluminium 6061 and its composites along the depth of penetration. Trapezoidal shaped aluminum-silicon particulate metal matrix composites manufactured by stir casting method with 5, 10 and 15 weight percentage of silicon carbide particles reinforced in aluminum 6061 alloy are cut by abrasive waterjet employing #80 mesh size. The average surface roughness value is increasing as the depth of penetration increases in aluminium 6061 base material and its composites. Also, it increases with the increase in percentage of silicon carbide particles in the metal matrix composites. The waterjet pressure and traverse speed of the jet has a significant effect of average surface roughness of cut samples.