Minimising particle contamination at abrasive waterjet machined surfaces by a nozzle oscillation technique

In this paper, the experimental study and microstructure analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and advanced surface analysis techniques were performed to quantitatively evaluate particle embedment at abrasive waterjet (AWJ) generated mild steel surfaces. It is found that particle embedment depends on cutting depth, traverse speed and pump pressure. A new nozzle oscillation technique was applied to the AWJ cutting process in order to reduce contamination by embedded particles. It was found that, under identical input cutting conditions, the particle embedment at the surface could be reduced up to 200% by using the new nozzle oscillation technique compared to the traditional AWJ technique. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.