This article focuses on the mechanical and nonmechanical cutting methods used in metal fabrication industries. The most prevalent equipment used for mechanical cutting includes shears, iron workers, nibblers, and band saws. Nonmechanical methods of cutting include gas cutting, electric arc cutting, and laser cutting. The article concludes with information on the advantages of abrasive waterjet cutting, which is an alternative to laser cutting, gas cutting, and plasma cutting.

This article provides a detailed account of the process development, cutting principle, and components of the abrasive waterjet cutting process. The advantages of abrasive waterjet machining are summarized. The article also discusses the factors affecting the cut quality, and the applications and limitations of abrasive waterjet cutting.

This article describes the influence of steel chemical compositions and microstructure on machining processes. It discusses the various microstructural phases of standard carbon and alloy steels, which influence machinability. The article reviews the expected response of several traditional machining operations, such as turning, drilling, milling, shaping, thread cutting, and grinding, to the microstructure of standard steel grades. It also explains the technologies in non-traditional machining processes, such as abrasive waterjet cutting, electrical chemical grinding, and laser drilling.

This article discusses the functions of the major components of a waterjet machining system. These include hydraulic unit, intensifier, accumulator, filters, water transmission lines, on/off valve, waterjet nozzles, abrasive waterjet nozzle, waterjet catchers, and fluid additives. The article reviews several variables that influence the WJM process, such as pressure, flow and nozzle diameter, stand-off distance, traverse rate, and type and size of abrasive. Advantages and disadvantages of waterjet and abrasive waterjet cutting are also discussed. The article describes the applications of waterjet and abrasive waterjet machining.