Abstract
In the present scenario, polymer composites are being used in various applications
such as defence, building construction, aerospace, and packaging etc. due to their unique
properties. Machining of polymer composites using conventional machining methods is
extremely difficult and expensive. Therefore, non-conventional machining technologies have
been explored. This paper presents the results of experimental investigation conducted on
abrasive water jet machining of pineapple filler based reinforced polymer composites. A total of
nine experiments have been conducted based on Taguchi’s robust design of experiment
technique considering four input parameters such as stand of distance, working pressure, nozzle
speed, and abrasive grain size. Material removal rate and surface roughness parameters are
considered as machinability indicators. The optimum machinability indicators obtained are
material removal rate- 71 g/s, and average surface roughness- 0.13 μm. The current research
identifies abrasive water jet machining process as a sustainable substitute of conventional
processes for machining pineapple filler based reinforced polymer composites.