Experimental investigation and parametric optimization of cryogenic abrasive water jet machining of nitrile rubber using Taguchi analysis

Mining/marine bushings, biomedical implants, and many more are among the several applications of lightweight elastomer components. The use non-traditional machining to manufacture these good-quality components in small or batch-size units is required because primary manufacturing method requires customised mould follow-up machining. In this regard, present work focuses on investigating performance a nitrile rubber (NR) using suspension-type abrasive water jet (AWJ) under both conventional (room temperature) cryogenic (liquid nitrogen (LN2)) conditions at optimal values process parameters: pressure (WJP, bar), transverse rate (Vf, mm/min), stand-off distance (SOD, mm). experimental runs designed Taguchi analysis with respective Kerf taper ratio (KTR) Material removal (MRR, mm3/min). results show that Vf (Rank 1) highest influencing factor NR conditions. reasons improved kinetic energy, less collision garnet particles lesser change average width kerf. influence LN2 showed KTR reduced by 11.97% 200 bar, 40 mm/min, 1 mm, MRR increased 0.65% 250 60 2.0 respectively.