
330 Fundamentals of Machining Processes
parameters of the abrasives are the material structure and hardness, the
mechanical behavior, grain shape, grain size and distribution, and the aver-
age grain size.
Process capabilities: Typical process variables include pressure, nozzle
diameter, standoff distance, abrasive type, grit number, and workpiece feed
rate. Abrasive water jet cuts through 356.6 mm slabs of concrete or 76.6 mm
thick tool steel plate at 38 mm/min in a single pass. The produced surface
roughness ranges between 3.8 and 6.4 μm, although tolerances of ±0.13 mm
are obtainable. Repeatability of ±0.04 mm, squareness of 0.043 mm/m, and ...