A Machinability Study of Granite Using Abrasive Waterjet Cutting Technology

Abrasive waterjet (AWJ) machining is one of the non-traditional machining processes which have been used extensively in various industries. It offers some advantages like narrow kerf width, reduced waste material and flexibility to machining process in different shapes. In this study, abrasive waterjet machining of the granite was experimentally investigated for various process parameters in terms of the cut depth and kerf width. The design philosophy of Taguchi was followed to conduct experiments. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate data obtained statistically. Major significant process factors affecting the cut depth and kerf width were determined. Additionally, effects of the process parameters on the cut depth and kerf width were presented by mean responses in detail. As a result of the study, it was determined that the highly effective parameters on the cut depth were the traverse speed, the abrasive flow rate and the abrasive size, although all the process parameters were found to be highly effective on the kerf width of the granite.