An investigation on the use of colemanite as abrasive in abrasive waterjet cutting

In this study, the performances of colemanite and zeolite as abrasive particles in abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting, were investigated experimentally.Garnet (Fe2O3Al2(SiO4)3) is the most popular abrasive used in AWJ cutting. Colemanite (CaB3O4(OH)3H2O) is a raw boron containing mineral. Approximately 64.4% of Turkey boron reserve comprises colemanite. Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicates found within the shielding layer of boron in nature. Turkey possesses a 40% share of the world zeolite reserves. In this study, colemanite and zeolite minerals were crushed and grinded to be used as abrasive powder in AWJ. Their performances were evaluated in comparison to that of garnet abrasives. Al7075, marble, glass, Ti6Al4V and composite material were among those which were cut by AWJ. The effects of traverse rate and abrasive flow rate on the surface roughness were also examined during the experiments. Furthermore, colemanite powder was mixed with garnet powder in certain proportions and the resulting surface characteristics were compared with those obtained in pure garnet powder tests.