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WATER JET CONFERENCE - Waterjet Technology Association

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However, the thermal devices may produce undesirable changes in material characteristics and,<br />

in some cases, may not be able to cut as effectively as an abrasive waterjet.<br />

The coal mining industry can presently benefit from this technology by being able to<br />

safely cut metal structures in the potentially explosive environment underground. Coal picks can<br />

be replaced with abrasive jets for higher productivity.<br />

Only a few examples of the potential application of the abrasive-jet cutting technology<br />

have been presented in this discussion. However, they do demonstrate the broad range of<br />

applications of abrasive-waterjet technology. The possibilities for the industrial use of abrasive<br />

jets in the immediate future seem unlimited.<br />

8. CONCLUSIONS<br />

The conclusions of this discussion of abrasive jet cutting in industrial applications are<br />

summarized below.<br />

1. Cutting with abrasive waterjets has a great potential for a wide range of applications in many<br />

industries.<br />

2. With the present state of the art of the abrasive-jet cutting technology, a number of industries<br />

can immediately benefit technically, economically and environmentally.<br />

3. The cost of metal cutting with abrasive jets is presently higher than thermal cutting<br />

techniques, especially for thin sheets. However, the reduced costs of subsequent finishing<br />

operations and the versatility of abrasive jets in cutting a wide range of metals may justify<br />

their use.<br />

4. Cutting with abrasive jets has many technical and environmental advantages unmatched by<br />

other techniques. Examples are the ability to cut very hard materials, the high quality of cuts<br />

produced, reduced noise levels, and increased safety.<br />

5. Research and development efforts have improved the cutting performance of the abrasive jet.<br />

To compete with existing techniques and penetrate new markets, further efforts are needed to<br />

fully optimize cutting performance and equipment.<br />

REFERENCES<br />

Hashish, M., 1982a, "The Application of Abrasive Jets to Concrete Cutting," Proceedings of<br />

Sixth International Symposium on Jet Cutting <strong>Technology</strong>, BHRA Fluid Engineering, Cranfield,<br />

Bedford, England, pp. 447-463.<br />

Hashish, M., 1982b, "Steel Cutting With Abrasive <strong>Waterjet</strong>s," Proceedings of Sixth International<br />

Symposium on Jet Cutting <strong>Technology</strong>, BHRA Fluid Engineering, Cranfield, Bedford, England,<br />

pp. 465-487.<br />

Hashish, M., 1982c, "A Modeling Study of Abrasive <strong>Waterjet</strong> Metals Cutting," to be presented at<br />

the ASME Winter Annual Meeting, also submitted for publication in Journal of Engineering<br />

Materials and <strong>Technology</strong>.<br />

Saunders, D. H., 1982, "A Safe Method of Cutting Steel and Rock," Proceedings of 6th<br />

International Symposium on Jet Cutting <strong>Technology</strong>, BHRA Fluid Engineering, Cranfield,<br />

Bedford, England.<br />

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