Effect of machining parameters on jet lagging in abrasive water jet cutting

The main characteristics of the surface machined with the abrasive water jet are the differences in surface roughness at the top and bottom of the cut and the appearance of curved lines-striations, which are characteristic for all machining processes with the concentrated stream of high energy. The curvature of these lines is the consequence of jet lagging. Jet lagging is the cause of errors in cutting of radius and sharp corners. The machining parameters have a great influence on this phenomenon. Therefore, it is necessary to know and to define the influence of machining parameters on this phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of machining parameters on the jet lagging, i.e. cut front geometry. The specimens of AISI 304 were machined by the abrasive water jet under varying traverse speeds, operating pressures and abrasive mass flow rates. The jet lagging was measured at ten monitoring points by the depth of cut. Based on these results, the relationship between the jet lagging and machining parameters has been formed.