Abrasive waterjet (AWJ) possesses inherent technological and manufacturing advantages
unmatched by most machine tools. Recent advancements in AWJ processes have
enhanced those merits. Multidisciplinary advancements include process automation,
position accuracy, cutting models, range of part dimensions, ergonomics, user and environmental
friendliness, feature recognition, and others. Among the technological merits,
AWJ is material independent and a cold cutting tool, capable of preserving the structural
and chemical integrity of parent materials. For heat sensitive materials, AWJ often cuts
over 10 times faster than thermal cutting tools such as lasers and electrode discharge
machining. Unlike photochemical etching, AWJ is environmentally friendly, producing
no toxic byproducts. Additionally, AWJ requires only a single tool assisted with accessories
to qualify for multimode machining; it is cost effective with fast turnaround for small
and large lots alike. Recent advancements together with relevant R&D, engineering, and
industrial applications will be presented for precision multimode machining from macro
to micro scales.