Optimization of Abrasive Water Jet Machining Process Parameters for Inconel-825 By Using Grey Taguchi Method

Abstract

Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) is a versatile and fastest growing machining process primarily used to machine hard and difficult to machine materials. This machine is also used to machine soft, thick, light, thin and fragile materials. It compliments other technologies such as Milling, Laser, EDM etc…. It doesn’t possess any mechanical stress to operator and environmental hazards. AWJM cut the material accurately unlike any other machining process. AWJM mainly adopted by aerospace industry for cutting high strength materials and other composites. It finds most of its applications in machining of gas turbines, rocket motors, space craft, nuclear power and pumps etc., very thin stream of about 0.004 to 0.010 dia. can be cut and material loss is also less due to cutting. Standoff distance between mixing tube and work part is typically 2 to 4mm important to keep to a minimum to get superior surface finish. The objective of this research is to analysis the effect of input process parameters and to optimize process parameters for achieving optimizing Processes responses such as Metal Removal Rate(MRR), Surface roughness (Ra), and Kerf width simultaneously while machining on the nickel-chromium based super alloy INCONEL 825 using AWJM process. It is a precipitation hardened material and has good creep-rupture strength. It shows good mechanical properties even at high temperatures. Applications are Intricate shapes can be easily obtained for Aerospace products.