Experimental analysis of irregularities of metallic surfaces generated by abrasive waterjet

Experimental study of the surface quality produced by abrasive waterjet (AWJ) on metallic materials has been performed. The surface roughness/waviness was quantitatively evaluated by using the contactless optical measurement. In order to characterize the cut surface qualities, a single-parameter criterion has been proposed. Based on root mean square (RMS) roughness evaluation of the worst cut surface zone, the dimensionless statistical parameter C can be calculated as a basic quantity for AWJ surface cut characterization. As it was approved, besides its dependency on depth of AWJ trace, the value of C-parameter for the specific material is noticeably related also to the traverse speed of the cutting head. Such a relationship can be potentially used for adjusting the cutting speed of the machining process.