An investigation on kerf characteristics in abrasive waterjet cutting of layered composites

Layered composites are “difficult-to-machine” materials as it is inhomogeneous due to the matrix properties, fibre orientation, and relative volume fraction of matrix. Abrasive waterjet cutting has proven to be a viable technique to machine such materials compared to conventional machining. This paper presents an investigation on the kerf taper angle, an important cutting performance measure, generated by abrasive waterjet (AWJ) technique to machine two types of composites: epoxy pre-impregnated graphite woven fabric and glass epoxy. Comprehensive factorial design of experiments was carried out in varying the traverse speed, abrasive flow rate, standoff distance and water pressure. Using the dimensional technique and adopting the energy conservation approach, the kerf taper angle has been related to the operating parameters in a form of a predictive model. Verification of the model for using it as a practical guideline has been found to agree with the experiments.