Despite extensive knowledge of the cutting methods described, no universal method has been developed so far for evaluating the technological quality of elements shaped by different cutting processes. The aim of the research described in this article was to fill this gap and to propose the author's methodology for the assessment of the technological quality of the surface of X5CRNI18-10 steel shaped as a result of laser cutting and abrasive water jet cutting. A synthetic index of technological quality assessment of the surface after cutting CTQ (cutting technological quality) was proposed. Three groups of factors were taken into account in the assessment of technological quality of the surface after cutting: selected surface texture parameters (arithmetic mean deviation of the surface Sa and total height of the surface St), results of measurements of dimensional accuracy of cut elements (length deviation LD and width deviation WD) as well as indicators of surface morphology estimated on the basis of microscopic images of the surface after cutting (deformation intensity DI and identification of cutting zones ICZ). On the basis of CTQ values determined, the cutting results of both cutting methods were compared. The analyses presented in this paper proved that the CTQ index can be effectively used to compare the results of a cutting process conducted using different methods and under different conditions. The developed CTQ index is a universal valuation tool, allowing for quantitative evaluation of features related to the technological quality of cutting process results.
Keywords: X5CRNI18-10 steel; laser cutting; quality assessment; technological quality; water jet cutting.