Use of various abrasives in rock cutting by waterjet

In this study, performances of various abrasives in rock (marble) cutting by waterjet (WJ) are investigated. Different types of abrasives (garnet, white fused alumina, brown fused alumina, silicon carbide, glass beads, emery powder, granite, olivine and copper furnace slag) being usable as an abrasive in waterjet cutting applications are considered. The cutting parameters are kept constant during the cutting operations. Cutting performances of the abrasives are evaluated based on some indicators (cutting width, cutting depth, cutting-wear zone depth, kerf angle and surface roughness). As a result of the study, it is seen that brown fused alumina presents the best performances in terms of the cut depth and the kerf angle access. Moreover, it is determined that white fused alumina and emery powder present better performances based on the kerf angle exit and cutting width, respectively. Additionally, it is observed that glass bead presents good results with regard to the surface roughness. On the other hand; it is seen that olivine and furnace slag exhibit poor cutting performances due to the blockages occurred in the nozzle. Consequently, the study revealed that the abrasives apart from the olivine and furnace slag can be used effectively in rock cutting applications by waterjet depending on the required standards. Key Words: Abrasive Waterjet, Abrasives, Marble, Rock Cutting, Cutting Performance