![[picture of 2in ss304 +/-.005 with an abrasive waterjet]](part2.jpg)
Pictured above is a 2" thick 304 stainless steel.
Machining time for a part like this ranges from
1 - 3 hours depending on the equipment used
(mainly pump horse power). If this part were
1/2" thick, machining times would range from
15 to 30 min. (picture courtesy
of OMAX
corp.)
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While EDM is more precise...
Abrasive jets are much faster than EDM.
Abrasive Jets machine a wider variety of materials (virtually
any material).
Abrasive jets make their own pierce holes.
Abrasive jets do not heat the surface of what they machine.
Abrasive jets are capable of ignoring material aberations
that would cause wire EDM to lose flushing.
Abrasive Jet machining is useful for creating start holes
for wire insertion later on. (a mill could do the job, but only after
spotting the hole, changing tools to drill a pilot, then changing tools again
to drill out the hole).
New technology allows Abrasive jets to obtain tolerances
of up to +/-.003" or better (I have personaly done some +/-.001" work,
but thats the exception, not the norm, and only on certain shapes and materials.)
No heat affected Zone with Abrasive jets.
Abrasive jets require less setup.
Make bigger parts.
...This is why many EDM shops purchase Abrasive jets to complement their
equipment, and to do pre-machining.
For more information, read AbrasiveJet Technology Boosts Business
for EDM Shops, CNC-WEST/October-November 1996.
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