An Experimental Study on the Depth of Cut of Granite in Abrasive Waterjet Cutting

Many studies investigating the cutting performances of waterjets for several kinds of materials such as steel, brass, glass, or aluminium are available. However, there are few studies focused on the rock cutting in the literature. In the present study, therefore, it is aimed at investigating the cuttability of granite by abrasive waterjet. The effect of process parameters and the textural properties of granites on the cut depth and surface quality were investigated. The design philosophy of Taguchi was followed to conduct the experiments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the data obtained statistically. Major significant process factors affecting the cut depth of granite were determined. It was disclosed that the traverse speed was the most significant process parameters affecting the cut depth of granite. Additionally, it was found that the depth of cut and surface quality were strongly affected by the grain size and its boundaries with the grains surrounding. Furthermore, consistent relations between some physical and mechanical properties of the granite (e.g., the water absorption, microhardness, the specific bulk density, and the uniaxial compressive strength) and the depth of cut were observed.