Effect of waterjet formation on surface preparation and profiling of aluminum alloy

Three types of waterjet formations were used in this study to evaluate their effects on surface characteristics of a 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. The jet formations were made by using fan jet, fuzzy jet, and round jet nozzles. Surfaces preparation resulting from these types of jet impingements were evaluated using surface profilometry, scanning electron and optical microscopy. Surface characteristics in terms of surface texture on treated specimens in relation to process conditions were analyzed and discussed. It was found that the fan jet produces more homogenous surfaces than the round jet when the surfaces are compared under the same process conditions. However, at lower jet pressure and velocity conditions, the use of the fuzzy jet is found to produce surfaces similar to those of the fan jet. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.