An investigation on cutting quality by adding polymer in abrasive water jet

An experimental investigation is presented to improve the cutting quality in abrasive water jet (AWJ) cutting of marble by an addition;of polyacrylamide (PAM) Considering experimental data, the kerf widths have a remarkable change when the PAM concentration approaches to 400 ppm. The deviation between top and bottom kerf width reaches the minimal value when PAM concentration is equal to about 600 ppm. In addition, the surface topography analyses illustrate that an addition of PAM can broaden the cutting wear zone and make the cutting quality, better. Furthermore, the effects of PAM on the surface roughness are assessed by a profilorneter. It is eventually found that the surface roughness decreases initially and then increases greatly with the increase of the depth of cut. Additionally, the minimum surface roughness occurs when the PAM concentration is 600 ppm, which agrees well with the experimental result of kerf width. An increasing stand-off distance or traverse speed produces a higher surface roughness.