Improving accuracy of profile hydro-abrasive cutting of plates of hardmetals and superhard materials

The authors discuss the potential of using hydro-abrasive cutting for machining various tool composites such as hardmetals, cutting ceramics, superhard materials based on cubic boron nitride. The problems relating to the process are studied. The multicut machining mode is shown to be appropriate for achieving accurate profile cuts on hardmetals using a variable cutting feed. The paper outlines the promising avenues for further research in order to establish a pattern of variation of machined surface quality versus cutting conditions and type of abrasive to be used.