Experimental research into alternative abrasive material for the abrasive water-jet cutting of titanium

Experimental research on high-pressure abrasive water-jet cutting of a popular titanium alloy, grade 5 (Ti6Al4V), is presented. Three types of abrasive material, garnet, olivine, and a cheaper alternative—crushed glass abrasive, were investigated. The influence of basic cutting parameters such as traverse speed and concentration of abrasive on cutting depth was shown, as was the effect of the ratio of the diameter of the water nozzle to the diameter of the focusing tube on the cutting depth. A slower traverse speed resulted in a deeper depth of cut for all abrasive materials. The variation of cutting depth became irrelevant when the concentration of the jet was increased. On basic regression analysis, the cutting depth control models were formulated. The cutting efficiency and the focusing tube wear for all abrasives were compared in order to determine the degree of effectiveness for each abrasive.