Effects of machining parameters on surface roughness and macro surface characteristics when the machining of Al-6082 T6 alloy using AWJT

This study analyzes the effects of machining parameters on the surface roughness and macro surface characteristics when machining Al-6082 T6 alloy of ∅30 and 240 mm in size using abrasive water jet (AWJ) turning processes. The material removal tests were conducted using a computer numerical control (CNC) abrasive jet cutting machine for different parameters of nozzle feed rate (10, 15, 20 and 25 mm·min−1), abrasive flow rate (50, 150, 250 and 350 g·min−1), spindle speed (25, 50, 75 and 100 min−1) and standoff distance (2, 5, 8 and 11 mm). Pump pressure at 350 MPa, abrasive type of Garnet and size of 120 Mesh, and nozzle diameter of 0.75 mm are kept constant throughout the experiments. When macro surface characteristics were analyzed, it was found that increased spindle speed, decreased nozzle feed rate, increased abrasive flow rate and lower standoff distance resulted in smoother surfaces. According to the findings of this study, best results were obtained when spindle speed and abrasive flow rate were increased.