Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) Applications in the Aviation Industry

Abstract

There are some conventional cutting techniques such as milling, turning and drilling machines while there’s Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) as a modern one. As a unique process, AWJ has been increasingly using in the aviation industry for more than four decades. AWJ allows cutting of various materials, from soft materials to brittle materials, from ceramic materials to composite. The aviation industry is known with usage of different types of materials such as the aforementioned types. With the processing of these raw and stock materials parts became as “flying parts” which are called as “airworthy or airborne parts” Aircraft can only fly with airworthy parts and machining them requires very stiff manufacturing system. Because of its competitive environment and high technology requirement, the aviation industry requires a fast, precise and cost-effective production processes. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets the rules and regulations as the most successful specialized organization of the United Nations, the national and international airworthiness authorities have to obey the rules of ICAO. The reason why AWJ rapidly gaining a place within the aviation industry is that the material cutting efficiency is high and most of the time there is no need for secondary operations after cutting and the quality of the end product is generally inside the limit. The analyses performed during and after cutting, demonstrate that the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) does not occur. Also, not occurring of thermal load is accepted as one of the advantages of AWJ. The objective of this paper is to provide the information regarding the usage of AWJ cutting technology which provides many advantages in the aviation industry. Besides, the conclusion of experiment studies of author’s doctoral thesis of some secondary data is also used in the paper. In this way, it is aimed to create a situational awareness for the employees of industrial companies and academicians regarding AWJ usage in the aviation industry.