Method for online quality monitoring of AWJ cutting by infrared thermography

This article presents a novel monitoring method of abrasive water jet (AWJ) cutting process using the infrared thermography. Using this monitoring method it is possible to observe the cutting front in the workpiece and thus to determine the working efficiency of the material removal process. Experimental results showed that it is possible to obtain time versus temperature images which by further computer analysis give better insight in the process and the influence of process setup parameters on the process itself. Complex cybernetic structure was defined in order to achieve adaptive control of AWJ cutting. (C) 2010 CIRP.