An experimental analysis of abrasive water jet engraving of Italian marbles / Analisi sperimentale del processo di marcatura su marmi italiani tramite getto d’acqua ad alta pressione con abrasivo

This article concerns characterizing and optimizing the process of water-jet engraving on stone materials through experimental analysis. The purpose is to find possible relationships between work parameters for an abrasive water-jet and the geometrical parameters created by grooves. Samples of White Carrara and Perlato of Coreno marbles were used in testing. An optical profilometer was used to measure the transversal profile of the groove, objectively characterized by a number of measurements described in the article, including two parameters of visual quality. Statistical analysis made it possible to indicate optimal settings to enter on the basis of desired results; for example, increases in width, depth or the degree of groove contrast.