Effect of the Process Parameters on Machining of GFRP Composites for Different Conditions of Abrasive Water Suspension Jet Machining

The selection of parameters for abrasive water suspension jet (AWSJ) machining of GFRP composites is a major aspect to be considered for optimizing the process. Generally, machining of plastics, polymer matrix composites are accomplished by the AWSJ machining carried out in the presence of atmospheric air; however, the existence of air around the AWSJ may lead to expansion of jet which results in increase in the kerf width and surface roughness; thus to overcome this drawback, an effort has been made in the current work to compare the effect of different process parameters on kerf width and surface roughness while using AWSJ techniques for machining glass fibre-reinforced plastic composite submerged in water. The exploratory outcomes have herewith validated the fact that the surface roughness and kerf width diminishes in under water machining when contrasted with that of free air machining; this is majorly attributed to the fact that the jet diameter reduces in under water AWSJ machining, thereby reducing the kerf width and surface roughness for optimized values of the parameters of speed, feed and standoff distance. Further, the experimental trials have clearly shown that the AWSJ machining used with an optimized set of parameters yields better machining capabilities as compared to abrasive water jet machining.