Optimization of Process Parameters in Abrasive Water Jet Machining/Cutting (AWJM) of Nickel Alloy using Traditional Analysis to Minimize Kerf Taper Angle

Abstract Abrasive water jet machining is one of the primarily utilized non-traditional machining processes as it tends to cut highly hard and brittle materials and it is a best alternative for the traditional machining processes. The main intent of this paper is to optimize the process parameters such as the pressure of water, flow rate of the abrasives used and the stand-off distance in inconel 625 alloys in order to obtain the minimized kerf taper angle. The experimental trials have been done and the parameters of abrasive water jet machining were optimized by employing Taguchi’s technique. Analysis of variance table have been calculated to verify the percentage contribution of each parameter. It has been observed from the results that the pressure of water plays a significant role in affecting the output characteristics followed by the flow rate of the abrasives and stand-off distance.