Abrasive Jet Machining (AJM) is a non-traditional mechanical machining process that removes material through the concentrated erosive action of a high-velocity gas-abrasive mixture stream.
Abrasive Jet Machining (AJM) is a non-traditional mechanical machining process that removes material through the concentrated erosive action of a high-velocity gas-abrasive mixture stream.
The fundamental working principle relies on kinetic energy transfer: a carrier gas (typically dry compressed air, nitrogen , or carbon dioxide ) is pressurized between 2 and 10 bar (0.2–1.0 MPa). This gas enters a mixing chamber, where it entrains and homogenizes fine abrasive powder with an average grain size of 10 to 50 μm. The two-phase gas-abrasive mixture is then directed through a micro-orifice nozzle with an inner diameter of 0.1 to 0.8 mm. Upon passing through the nozzle, the mixture is accelerated to sonic or near-sonic velocities ranging from 150 to 300 m/s.
The erosion mechanics at the point of impact on the workpiece surface depend heavily on the mechanical properties of the target substrate:
| Category | Subtractive Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Library | CNC machining |
Engineer, author of The Big Book of 3D Printing and additive manufacturing expert