Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Process parameters of Micro Waterjet Machining.

Abstract

The diploma thesis is focused on the research and optimization of parameters in micro waterjet machining (WJM) without abrasives of AISI316L stainless steel for surface treatment. The effect of the traverse speed, the overlap factor and the treatment pattern on the surface roughness, the topography and the morphology was studied by optical microscopy, 3D surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An optimal overlap factor of 25% was found to maintain consistent surface coverage. The surface properties have been characterized in terms of profile parameters (Ra, Rz, Rp, Rv, Rsk, Rku) and areal parameters (Sa, Sz, Sp, Sv, Ssk, Sku, Sdr, isotropy). The results showed that the roughness values decreased with the increase of the traverse speed, thus generating smoother surfaces. Ra and Sa in linear patterns were approximately 16.43 μm and 16.98 μm, respectively, whereas Sz decreased to 145.2 μm. Statistical parameters indicated valley-dominated surfaces and more localized features. The cross-hatched patterns showed lower surface complexity and higher isotropy (~82.86%), implying improved uniformity. The process can also be used to efficiently improve the surface properties of AISI316L for biomedical applications.