Abrasive Water Jet Machining – Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Abrasive Water Jet Machining:

1. This can cut any type of materials.
2. High accuracy can obtain.
3. The depth of cut can increased by this method.
4. The operation is smooth.
5. Mechanical properties changes do not occur in the working process.
6. Surface finish is high.
7. It offers high productivity with low-cost investment. 
8.  The equipment is very easy to use and the operator does not need any special skills or training. 
9. It can be used on various types of materials such as metals, plastics, composites, ceramics, and glass without damaging them because it removes only the material that needs to be removed and leaves the rest intact. 
10.  It can be used for heavy-duty metal removal. 
11. It is efficient in removing large amounts of material quickly. 
12. This process is also capable of producing high-quality surfaces. 
13. There are no thermal stresses or heat loads on the materials, which means it is environmentally friendly. 

Disadvantages of Abrasive Water Jet Machining:

1. Cost is high.
2. The cutting fluid used in this process may cause corrosion and corrosion rates can be very high, which makes maintenance difficult.
3. It removes low metal rate.
4. It is difficult to machine thick metals.