Title: Surface quality analysis of abrasive waterjet cutting on AA5083 aluminium alloy

Authors: T.F. Zibetti; M.R. Policena; C.L. Israel; C.E.A.L. Ipar; E.S. Passari

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo-RS, Brazil ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal Institute Sul-rio-grandense, Passo Fundo-RS, Brazil ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo-RS, Brazil ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo-RS, Brazil ' Department of Production Engineering, CNEC College Gravataí, Gravataí-RS, Brazil

Abstract: This research scrutinises the influence of abrasive waterjet cutting (AWJ) process parameters in the surface quality resultant from the cutting of the AA5083 aluminium alloy. The objective was to explore the influence of transverse speed (V_f), abrasive mass flow rate (ṁ_A), working pressure of the waterjet (P), and standoff distance (d_s) (input variables) on various defects, including kerf width (k_w), perpendicular deviation (u), initial zone (D_IDR depth and W_IDR width), and final damage zone (D_FDR depth and W_FDR width). X-ray micro-computed tomography analysed cut surface images. Average values obtained indicated an initial damage zone with a depth of 0.254 mm and a width of 0.242 mm, a final damage zone with a depth of 0.137 mm and a width of 0.245 mm, a perpendicular deviation of 0.318 mm, and a kerf width of 1.224 mm. ANOVA revealed that the distance parameter held the utmost significance in influencing defects.

Keywords: abrasive waterjet cutting; AWJ; aluminium aa5083; machined surface; defect measurement; quality assessment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2025.147429

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2025 Vol.27 No.2, pp.105 - 120

Received: 08 Dec 2023
Accepted: 26 Apr 2024
Published online: 15 Jul 2025 *

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