An experimental study on turning with abrasive waterjet

In this study an experimental turning set up is designed, constructed and coupled with abrasive water jet cutting machine and the effect of turning process parameters on surface roughness (Ra), material removal rate(MRR) and final diameter (df), have been investigated through a series of experiments. Aliminum alloy (Al 7075-T6) which is frequently used in automotive and aerospace industries is used as the workpiece material. Experiments are performed on three different diameters. Specimens from 20 mm, 25mm and 30mm diameters are prepared. Water jet pressure (p), feed rate (f), waterjet impact distance (e) are the three cutting parameters. Diameter of the workpiece (d) is considered as another factor in this study. A total of 81 AWJ turning experiments are conducted basing on three-level full factorial design of experiment for the four factors. The effects of process parameters on Ra, MRR and final diameter have been investigated by Minitab software®. From the results of these experiments it is noticed that waterjet impact distance and the feed rate are the most effective parameters on the material removal rate and surface quality and final diameter. Keywords: Aluminum alloy, abrasive water jet turning, material removal rate, surface roughness.