Experimental control of kerf width taper during Abrasive water jet machining

Abstract

Abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) is one of the effective nonconventional machining processes. AWJM has its effective influence on aeronautical and automobile engineering industries. This paper aims to study the outcome of AWJM process parameters on kerf width and kerf taperness of Inconel-825. Taguchi's DOE is designed for experimental approach. Orthogonal array L25 is selected for experimental work. The influence of various process factors such as Transverse speed, Abrasive flow rate and stand-off distance on the kerf width and kerf taperness was studied. The consequence of the machining parameters was analysed and the optimum process parameters were identified with the help of Grey's relational analysis. Confirmation test was carried out with the optimum values of machining parameters such as Transverse speed-60mm/min, Abrasive Flow Rate-200gm/min and Stand off Distance-4mm in order to illustrate the effectiveness of Grey's relational analysis. The Optical microscopy confirmation test is performed for characterization of morphology and identification of micro cracks.