The importance of optical detection of surface quality created by abrasive waterjet

The paper deals with a newly developed optical no-contact measurement method and its importance in comparison with classical measurement by contact profilometer used for quality measurement of the surfaces created by abrasive waterjet technology. The main emphasis is put on the analysis of results for defining the process of creation of a new surface generated by the stream of abrasive water jet, including its geometric parameters and mechanisms of cutting tool-material interaction. New possibilities for surface quality evaluation and optimization, the choice of technological parameters of the cutting process are developing.