Plain water jet cleaning of titanium alloy after abrasive water jet milling: Surface contamination and quality analysis in the context of maintenance

Abrasive water jet (AWJ) milling process, though being an effective alternative to conventional machining for difficult-to-machine materials, induces abrasive embedment which is issue repair application by structural bonding. In this context, the effectiveness of cleaning Ti6Al4V specimens Plain Water Jet (PWJ) post AWJ studied. For this, are milled process with varying parameters create several levels surface quality and contamination. Different characterization techniques have been used perform a multi-scale analysis machined surfaces has quantified innovative criterion called “crater volume” (Cv). Then subjected PWJ operation (using single set chosen after preliminary study). Finally, texture contamination quantification performed compared surfaces. The results revealed that reduced 65% without any significant change in Cv, topology. However, it was found impossible dislodge deeply embedded particles. comparison pre post-cleaning also efficiency depends on (mainly pressure).