Ceramic sponge Micro Abrasive Waterjet machining

Ceramic sponge precision machining is a challenging issue for conventional technologies. Micro Abrasive Waterjet (µAWJ) cutting technology proves to be effective in ceramic sponge fine features machining. A specific sponge filling procedure was developed to preserve the jet shape and to prevent material collapse. The typical AWJ defects were reduced by selecting the proper feedrate for the Ø 0.3 mm jet configuration developed at Waterjet Laboratory of Politecnico di Milano. After cutting and filling agent removal, complex near-net-shape parts were obtained, meeting tight tolerances and exploiting the µAWJ technology valuable flexibility. Some complex shaped case study parts with convex and concave corners as well as holes and thin walls are presented.