Identification of surface texture created by the abrasive waterjet and a proposal for criteria for its evaluation

The submitted contribution deals with the identification of texture of metal surfaces produced by the abrasive waterjet with the aim to increase surface quality. To the measurement of surface irregularities, a developed contactless shadow method was applied. A dimensionless statistical parameter CRa for experimentally tested metal materials has been derived the discrete value of which will contribute, in the automated on-line system of feedback, to the optimization of traverse speed of the cutting head, i.e. that technological factor which influences the quality of machined surfaces most.