What You Should Know about Waterjet Cutting.
Technology has impacted all sectors of life and the cutting industry has benefited from advanced cutting systems as well. The latest technology in cutting is known as waterjet cutting that uses high-pressure water stream where a narrow line is eroded in the stock material. In order to cut a wide variety of materials such as foam, steel, and titanium, an abrasive could be added.
it becomes easier to select between an abrasive waterjet and water only cutting because an abrasive material is normally added at the nozzle. Due to such flexibility, there is so much versatility with waterjet machines. Because of the technology used in water jet cutting systems, it is now possible to cut different shapes accurately and faster. The good thing is that even inexperienced operators will make accurate cuts without trial and error.
When using a water jet cutting equipment, a computer program is used to guide the cutting head. The high speed of thin water stream cuts the material faster. The water stream is usually very small such that there is minimal wastage. As a result, the cost is considerably reduced for both the customer and the machine shop. Other benefits of waterjet cutting include the following.
1. Cuts a variety of materials.
When an abrasive is added in waterjet cutting, any material can be cut. For instance, it can be used to cut tool steels, stainless steel, carbon steels, copper, titanium, granite, ceramics, and wood among others. This is unlike some traditional cutting systems that are just restricted to a few materials.
2. Heat damage is reduced.
Waterjet cutting eliminates heat damage on the edges unlike some methods like laser and plasma cutting that result in heat zones. This makes it possible to cut materials of different types such as plastics and metals without warping, distorting, or melting them. This is possible because any heat is usually absorbed by water that returns to the tank. The only point where temperatures go high is when a thick metal part is pierced. Otherwise, rest will be at room temperature.
3. Cuts complex shapes.
This is a huge advantage of waterjet cutting. It is possible to cut almost any desired shape. Through this method, you can pierce holes, cut sharp corners, bevels, and minimal inner radii. The cutting time is also minimized since tabbing, stacking, and nesting help in optimizing the material.
4. Friendly to the environment.
The cutting process with a waterjet is usually clean and does not result in chips, grindings, or hazardous gases. There is also no need for emulsions and oil during cutting. When pure water is used, materials such as textiles, food products, and elastomers can be cut by a waterjet machine.