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Researchers at the
Institute of Materials Processing were invited
to apply and as a result were selected to attend the World’s
Best Technologies for 2004. The technology being addressed
involved a process (patent pending) to produce a glass abrasive
that been shown to be an acceptable alternative media to garnet
for abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting systems in many applications.
The WBT04 is a showcase for technologies developed at the Nation’s
most advanced research facilities and top universities, with
selection being based on the technology and in particular those
with the greatest potential for high growth commercial enterprises.
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The process, which was developed
under the direction of J. Murray Gillis,
Research Scientist II at the IMP, allows a wide variety of
glass waste streams to be used as a feed stock in the production
of an inexpensive abrasive, for use in an AWJ system.
Studies have shown that glass can be processed to produce
sharp edged, angular particles, with a aspect ratio suitable
for use as an abrasive media, using this new process, at less
than 1% the existing price of garnet, which is presently being
used in AWJ systems. |
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Abrasive waterjet systems
produce net-shaped parts, eliminating many secondary processes,
such as deburring and finishing. As an added benefit, abrasive
waterjet cutting does not subject the resulting parts to the
stresses and high temperatures that occur when conventional
machining methods are used. The thin kerf that results from
using an abrasive waterjet system minimizes the amount of material
removed during cutting. This feature allows greater nesting
of parts and thus more efficient use of the material being cut.
Better utilization of stock reduces the energy requirements,
results in less waste, and in turn the handling of the waste,
for parts produced using abrasive waterjet cutting.
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This technology would be a very positive environmental
impact for many reasons. The glass abrasive comes from an existing
glass waste stream. The resulting stream of fine rounded glass
particles, generated through the use of glass as the media in
AWJ cutting, would be suitable for use as a filler in a variety
of polymers. There is less material waste due to the thin kerf
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opportunities for nesting. Overall, abrasive waterjet cutting,
using waste glass as the media, would provide a very energy, time,
and material efficient technique.
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CONTACT INFORMATION: J. Murray Gilles, 906-487-1820,
jmgillis@mtu.edu
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