Investigation of the Effect of Cutting Speed on Surface Quality in Abrasive Water Jet Cutting of 316L Stainless Steel

This study presents the effect of cutting speed on surface roughness in abrasive water jet cutting of 10mm thick stainless steel samples. Photographs of cut surfaces were taken and roughness parameters were measured in different locations across depth of cut. Differences between obtained surface geometric structures and measured roughness parameter values were presented and discussed. The research has shown a considerable effect of cutting speed on surface roughness, surface quality and presence of machining marks. This effect was especially noticeable in lower parts of examined cut surfaces.