Possibilities of 3D machining of materials by abrasive water jets

Abstract

Machining of materials through classical way, i.e. using conventional tools for turning, drilling, milling, grinding and polishing, has some limits that can be overcome applying an abrasive water jet (AWJ). Therefore, some possibilities of 3D machining by AWJ placed on 6 axes robot have been tested. Programming of traverse speeds and tilting angles of cutting head was based on Hlaváč’s theoretical model. Low pressure pump has been used for tests. Because of very low pumping pressure, a selfdesigned and manufactured special mixing chamber was used in the experiments. The article deals with preliminary results and points at the direction of further research.