Kerf Profile Modelling in Abrasive Waterjet Milling

Abstract

The Abrasive Water Jet milling process is demonstrated to be an efficient technology for milling low machinability materials. Although its capability is demonstrated, the industrial application of this technology requires a depth control, for which a work focused in process modelling is needed. This research work introduces a model to predict the kerf shape in AWJ slot milling in Aluminium 7075-T651 in terms of four important process parameters: pressure, abrasive mass flow rate, stand-off distance and traverse feed rate. A hybrid evolutionary approach was employed for modelling the profile through two parameters: the maximum cutting depth and the full width at half maximum. Both the maximum depth and the width were also modelled as a function of aforementioned process parameters based on Analysis of Variance and regression techniques. Combination of two models resulted in an adequate strategy to predict the kerf shape for different machining conditions.