Machinability Studies on Abrasive Water Jet Machining of Low Alloy Steel for Different Thickness

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports some results of experimental investigation conducted on abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) of medium carbon low alloy (EN24) steel. EN24 steel samples of different thickness have been machined at various combinations of AWJM parameters. Three important AWJM parameters namely water jet pressure, nozzle traverse speed, and stand-off distance have been varied at three levels each. Three important responses i.e. material removal rate, kerf wall inclination, and surface roughness (average roughness) have been considered as the machinability indicators. The variation of these machinability indicators with a range of thicknesses of EN24 steel samples has been investigated. It is found that AWJM is capable to machine EN24 steel at very high MRR even at the increased thickness. But, surface finish deterioration is prominent with sample having higher thickness. Moreover, nozzle traverse speed is identified as the most significant parameter. It is concluded that the jet pressure of 240MPa with traverse speed of 20mm/min can produce good machinability for AWJM of EN24 Steel.