Cost optimization for multiple-head AWJ cutting

Abrasive Waterjet (AWJ) Technology is being widely used in industry for cutting difficult-to-machine-materials, milling slots, cleaning contaminated surfaces, polishing materials, etc. This is because AWJ machining has many advantages such as it can cut net-shape (or near net- shape) parts; without generated heat, clean... However, a main limitation of AWJ cutting is its high cutting cost. Therefore, cost calculation and cost optimization problem of AWJ cutting systems is the subject of many studies which are carrying out in order to reduce the cutting cost. This article introduces a new and comprehensive study on the cost optimization of AWJ Systems when cutting with multiple cutting heads. In the study, the effects of jet-parameters, process parameters as well as the effect of the number of cutting heads on the total cutting cost per unit length were taken into account. In addition, the effects of cost components on the cutting cost were also investigated as cost variables. A new model for calculation of the optimal exchanged nozzle diameter when cutting with multiple cutting heads was proposed. By using the model, both the cutting cost and the time of cutting can be reduced considerably.