Exploring surface integrity: Experimental investigation into abrasive waterjet deep hole drilling on ss 316L for biomedical applications

Precision drilling of difficult-to-cut materials with exceptional surface integrity is a crucial factor in producing advanced manufactured components in industries like aviation, automotive, defense, electronic, and medical devices. More specifically, deep hole drilling enables precise customization of prostheses, improving patient comfort and functionality. Abrasive waterjet deep hole drilling has become a vital drilling technique in many industries due to its adaptability and effectiveness in drilling intricate shapes on hard-to-cut materials. The interplay between process parameters and surface finish underscores the need for systematic investigation to enhance drilling efficiency and quality. In this research, an attempt has been made to explore the influence of abrasive waterjet deep hole process parameters viz water pressure and standoff distance on the surface integrity of the drilled holes for biomedical applications. A surface roughness tester has been used to evaluate surface roughness at three distinctive places, namely the top, middle, and bottom of the drilled holes. The investigation showed that surface roughness at the top of the holes is less as compared to the middle and bottom of the holes. The average surface roughness along the depth of the drilled holes is greatly influenced by water pressure. Additionally, the morphology of the drilled holes has been studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images revealed that the top surface of the drilled holes is free from defects.