Investigations on Abrasive Jet Machining of Different Materials

Abrasive jet machining is one of the unconventional processes which depend on the concept of mechanical erosion. Abrasive jet machine (AJM) removes material through the action of a focused beam of abrasive-laden gas. Micro-abrasive particles are directed by an inert gas under pressure. When directed at a workpiece, the resulting erosion can be used for cutting, etching, drilling, polishing, and cleaning. This is cost-effective manufacturing of small devices made up of brittle and hard materials. The conventional methods, in spite of recent advancements, are inadequate to machine hard and brittle materials from standpoint of accuracy, precision, and economic production. In this process, the abrasive jet carrying abrasives is directed with adequate pressure on the workpiece. The nozzle is placed at a predetermined optimum distance for obtaining effective material removal rate (MRR).