This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and optimize a flash abrasive-waterjet for precision machining of delicate materials. The use of water in a phase change mode will offer advantages over abrasive waterjets, that can damage delicate materials, and liquid nitrogen abrasive cryogenic jets, that require expensive equipment.
The technology will be most useful for manufacturing parts with complex geometries from composites, glasses, laminates and other advanced materials, for use in the aerospace, electronics and defense industries.