Waterjet cutting is precision high-pressure cutting with water or a water mixture.
Water Jet Cutting combines fresh water with a lot of pressure. At first, low pressure water travels to an intensifier pump. Then, that pump adds pressure to the hydraulic fluid. Following that, it signals the pistons to move and pressurize the water. Finally, the water makes its way to the head of the device. Depending on the material, an abrasive may mix in before striking the part.
The history waterjet cutting
Using high-pressure water dates back to the 1800s with hydraulic mining. Not until the 1930s, did the use of narrow jets of water to cut parts emerge. Unfortunately, they were limited to softer materials like wood and paper. Later that century, the addition of an abrasive modernized the cutting method.
Abrasive Cutting
Abrasive cutting uses a water mixture to cut parts. Before water hits the part, it mixes with a granular (typically garnet) . This increases the cutting power tremendously. These abrasive particles are similar to what makes up the surface of sand paper. Overall, this abrasive water mixture enables the cutting of much harder materials like metals and stone.
CNC Machines
CNC is the abbreviation for Computer Numerical Control. This automation and accuracy control lowers costs tremendously. In addition, computer science and innovation has been improving cutting tolerances and precision with each passing year.
Available Waterjet Cutting Materials
Metals
Unlike other cutting methods, the cutting area experiences very little heat or friction. Luckily, the waterjet can easily cut metal parts without stressing or changing the properties of the material.
- Titanium
- Carbon steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Red Metals (Copper, Brass and Bronze)
- Tool Steel (annealed or hardened)
Superalloys
Superalloys are particularly hard to cut with traditional cutting methods. They can cause undue wear on traditional cutting tools. Fortunately, water jets cut even the most difficult superalloys quickly and precisely. Here’s a list of some popular superalloys it can cut.
- Incoloy
- Inconel
- Hastelloy
- Waspaloy
Plastics
Similarly to how it handles metals, waterjet cutting is advantageous for several reasons when cutting plastics.
- Reduces the risk of delamination, resin burn, and fiber fraying
- Generates no fumes or dust
- Avoids most thermal expansion
Glass
Other cutting methods require significant pressure on the part resulting in cracking. Fortunately, a waterjet’s low part pressure is a unique advantage when cutting this material. Therefore, you can cut a wide range of glass materials with a waterjet from delicate to bullet-proof glass.
Stone and Tile
The waterjet cutting process is suitable for the precision cutting of any stone material. It consistently yields intricate shapes in a variety stone materials. Moreover, it eliminates the risk of any fracturing and crazing. This a problem with other cutting methods.
Ceramics
Similar to cutting glass, the waterjet’s low part pressure makes it the ideal cutting method when cutting this brittle material. It cuts through abrasion resistant and refractory ceramics with ease.
Rubber and Foam
Waterjet cutting is an ideal method in the production of many rubber and foam parts. Compared to other materials, these soft parts are typically cut by just water, not a mixture. For this reason, it allows for an ultra-fine cutting stream. Parts are cut very accurately with little to no stress.
Waterjet Cutting Conclusion
Cutting parts with water may sound like an antiquated method. However, as you can see in this article, it remains a very competitive method for various reasons. Supporting technologies will only enhance and expand the use of waterjet coming for years to come.
Pros of Waterjet Cutting
- Avoids Thermal Expansion
- Minimal Heat Friction
- Cuts Extremely Thick/Thin Materials
- Cuts Extremely Soft/Hard Materials
- Eco-Friendly
Cons of Waterjet Cutting
- Cutting Head Moves Slowly
- Abrasive Granular is Messy
- Pumps Require Constant Service
Versatile Waterjet Cutting Services From Precision Shape Solutions
If waterjet cutting is needed for your next project, there are services widely available on the market. However, Precision Shape Solutions is a full-service waterjet cutting resource. Proudly, we have been serving the New Your City area since 1981. Commissioned to manufacture the 9/11 Memorial Plaques found at ground zero today, there is no job too complex for our team. Additionally, Precision Shape solutions has ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Above all, we are ready to assist you through any design, engineering and production demands. Contact us today with your project and let’s get started.