With the technology impacting all areas, the cutting industry is a beneficiary of advanced cutting systems. Nowadays, waterjet cutting is the latest technology that utilizes water stream at high pressure to cut a thin line on the material. To help cut a variety of materials like titanium, steel, and foam, an abrasive is usually added.
Since the abrasive is added at the nozzle, you can be able to switch between water-only cutting and abrasive waterjet cutting. Because of such flexibility, waterjet machines become very versatile. Operators can now cut different shapes with water jet cutting systems due to the high technology used. 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 material is quickly cut using a thin water stream at high speed. The waste is very minimal because the water stream used is so small. This result is reduced cost for both the machine shop, as well as the customer. Other benefits of waterjet cutting include the following.
1. Cuts a variety of materials.
When water is combined with abrasives and high pressure, the waterjet can be used to cut any materials. For instance, it can be used to cut tool steels, stainless steel, carbon steels, copper, titanium, granite, ceramics, and wood among others. This better compared to some traditional cutting equipment that would only cut specific materials.
2. No heat zones.
Unlike other cutting methods like plasma and laser cutting, waterjet cutting does not result in heat affected zones on the cutting edges. Therefore, materials like plastics and metals can be cut without melting, warping, or distorting them. This is because any heat produced is absorbed by the water that goes back 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. Complex shapes can be cut.
It is one of the big advantage provided by 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. At the same time, cutting time is significantly reduced because stacking, tabbing, and nesting help to optimize the material.
4. Eco-friendly.
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. A waterjet machine can also be used to cut food products, textiles, and elastomers when using clean water.