WATER JET MACHINE PROCESS : Working of abrasive water Jet machining process (animation).
Water Jet Machining Process
This section introduces water jet machining, also known as water jet cutting, as a non-conventional machining process that utilizes high-velocity water jets to remove materials from workpieces.
Working Principle
- Water jet machining is based on the principle of water erosion.
- When a high-velocity jet of water strikes the surface, material removal occurs.
- Pure water is used for softer materials, while abrasive particles are added for cutting harder materials (abrasive water jet machining).
Construction
- Components of a water jet machining setup include:
- Water reservoir: Stores water for the process.
- Hydraulic pump: Circulates water from the reservoir to the intensifier.
- Hydraulic intensifier: Increases water pressure significantly (up to 3000-4000 bar).
- Accumulator: Temporarily stores pressurized water to supply when needed.
Applications and Advantages
- Advantages:
- Capable of intricate cuts in various materials.
- Clean and dust-free machining area.
- Low operating and maintenance costs with no moving parts.
Water Jet Machining Process Continued
This section delves deeper into the construction elements of a water jet machining setup and explains its working process.
Control Elements
- The setup includes control valves, flow regulators, mixing chambers, and nozzles for precise operation:
- Control valve: Manages pressure and direction of the water jet flow.
- Flow regulator: Regulates the flow rate of the water.
- Mixing chamber or tube: Where abrasive particles mix with high-pressure water.
Working Process
- The process involves pumping pressurized water from the reservoir through an intensifier to create a high-pressure stream directed through a nozzle.
- The nozzle converts pressure energy into kinetic energy for material removal.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Water Jet Machining
This part highlights both advantages and disadvantages associated with using water jet machining as a manufacturing technique.
Advantages
- Water jet machining offers several benefits:
- Complex cuts in various materials can be achieved easily.
- Minimal thermal damage due to lack of heat generation during cutting processes.
Disadvantages
- Limitations include:
- Inability to machine very thick materials effectively.
Layered Composites and Water Jet Machining
The transcript discusses the use of high-pressure water jets in machining processes, including paint removal, surgery, cleaning, peening, and stress removal. It also mentions how abrasive water jet machining can be utilized for various operations like drilling, pocket milling, and turning.
Water Jet Machining Applications
- Water jet machining is used with layered composites such as stones and glass.
- High-pressure water jets are employed for tasks like paint removal, surgery, cleaning, peening to eliminate residual stress.
- Abrasive water jet machining extends to drilling, pocket milling, turning operations.
- The process involves both water jet machining and abrasive water jet machining techniques.