An experimental study of the effect of high-pressure water jet assisted turning (HPWJAT) on the surface integrity

This study deals with the effect of High-Pressure Water Jet Assisted Turning (HPWJAT) of austenitic stainless steels on chip shape and residual stresses. The machining of the austenitic stainless steels represents several difficulties. Recently, research has shown that the introduction of a high-pressure water jet into the gap between the tool and the chip interface is a very satisfactory method for machining applications. In this article, the effect of a high-pressure water jet, directed into the tool-chip interface, on chip shapes breakage and surface integrity in face turning operations of AISI 316L steel has been investigated. Tests have been carried out with a standard cutting tool. The cutting speeds used were 80 and 150 m/min, with a constant feed rate of 0.1 mm/rev and a constant cutting depth of 1 mm. Three jet pressures were used: 20, 50 and 80 MPa. Residual stress profiles have been analysed using the X-ray diffraction method in both longitudinal and transversal directions. The results show that jet pressure and cutting parameters influence the residual stresses and the chip shapes. Using a high-pressure jet, it is possible to create a well fragmented chip in contrast to the continuous chip formed using dry turning. It is also possible to control the chip shape and increase tool life. When the jet pressure is increased the residual stress at the surface decreases: however it is increased by an increase in cutting speed. It can be concluded that surface residual stresses can be reduced by the introduction of a high-pressure water jet. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.