The need to enhance the cutting performance and capability of abrasive waterjet (AWJ) technology has been a focal point in this field of research to increase its application domain. Various new cutting techniques for increasing the AWJ cutting performance, such as the total depth and smooth depth of cut, are outlined and discussed. It is found that considerable gains can be achieved by angling the jet forward in the cutting plane while multipass cutting technique is more effective in cutting thick materials. Using alumina ceramics as specimens, it shows that the use of nozzle oscillation can significantly improve the major cutting performance even with small oscillation angles, making it possible to use this technique in AWJ contouring. It also shows that if the oscillation parameters are not selected correctly, the nozzle oscillation technique can markedly reduce the cutting performance. A recommendation is then made on selecting the appropriate oscillation parameters for cutting alumina ceramics.
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