16 September 2018

Advantages and disadvantages of abrasive jet machining

The principle of Abrasive jet machining involves the use of a high-speed stream of abrasive particles carried by a high-pressure gas or air on the work surface through a nozzle. The metal removal occurs due to erosion caused by the abrasive particles impacting the work surface at high speed. Let us have a deep insight into the advantages and disadvantages of abrasive jet machining in this article. 

Advantages of Abrasive Jet Machining :

  • Abrasive jet machining is suitable for materials of any hardness and brittleness like ceramics, germanium, glass.
  • Ability to cut fragile and heat-sensitive materials without damage as there is no heat generated by gas or air passage.
  • Low capital cost.
  • Holes of intricate shapes could be produced efficiently.
  • It can be utilized for cutting, drilling, polishing, deburring, cleaning of the materials.

Disadvantages of Abrasive Jet Machining :

  • The material removal rate is slow. 
  • The precision of the machining is poor and the wear rate of the nozzle is high.
  • Additional cleaning of the work surface may occur because the abrasive particles may remain embedded in the work surface.
  • Abrasive particles cannot be reused.
  • A dust collection chamber is a basic requirement to avoid causing health hazards from atmospheric pollution.