Results of Comparative Nozzle Testing using Abrasive Waterjet Cutting

There is considerable debate about the levels of performance that can be expected from abrasive waterjet (AWJ) systems, and the relative merits of different nozzle designs. In order to provide some standard of comparison, the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) has developed a series of tests that compare performance. This paper provides an explanation of test results from an initial suite of six nozzles obtained from the available resources at the time of test. A spread sheet is described that includes abrasive cost, nozzle cost and life in assessing the relative effectiveness of the different nozzles, both with and without abrasive recycling, which is discussed.