An Introduction to Waterjet Cutting
As one of the fastest growing machine tool industries, water jet cutting has proven to save time and money on countless applications such as metal cutting and stone cutting. See the advantages of water jet cutting and view our photo album of different uses for the tool. Whether it's cutting sheet metal, titanium, granite, marble, or steel - water jet might be the answer for you.
Back to Index Benefits of Waterjet Cutting
Let’s Take a Look... Waterjet cutting is best described as an accelerated erosion process that we are controlling. For this reason, waterjet can cut or erode through virtually any material known, making it one of the most versatile machines available.
As one of the fastest growing machine tool industries, waterjet cutting has proven to save time and money on countless applications. Please take a look at the advantages below to see if waterjet could be for you.
Tolerances
Tolerances tighter than +/- 0.005" are achievable, especially in thinner materials such as 1" stainless steel. However, high tolerances come with a price, sometimes up to 500% higher than if the same part had been specified with a tolerance of +/- 0.015". By being more flexible with tolerances, prices will plummet as cutting speeds increase. Waterjet cutting has the ability to vary tolerances in different locations on a part, ensuring the best pricing and quality.
Thickness And Kerf
Materials ranging from 10" stainless steel to 0.010" acrylics can be cut by waterjet, making it a very versatile tool. Stacking of very thin materials to increase productivity is possible. Kerf ranges from 0.020" to 0.050".
Taper And Edge Finish
Taper and edge finish are directly related to cut speed. The greater the speed, the more taper and the coarser the edge finish. As the waterjet slows down, taper can be eliminated and the finish of about 120 achieved. Again, slower means an increase in time...and price. For a finer edge finish, use a finer abrasive.
No Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)
Waterjet cutting is a natural erosion process involving no chemicals or heat. Because of this, warping and distortion typically associated with laser, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting is eliminated, therefore minimizing the need for secondary processing.
And Common Line Cutting
Unlike laser, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, waterjet lends itself to common line cutting. Our machine offers optional state-of-the-art nesting software, allowing you to nest multiple shapes together and cut them with multiple heads. Tracking of remnants and nesting into these odd shapes later, helps save precious material and can contribute toward reducing your operating costs.
WATERJET CUTTING 101.
70,000 PSI- 5' x 10' & 6' x 12' Cutting Envelopes- Dual Cutting Heads- with Mirroring Capabilities- Remote Pendant Controller. Tolerances +/- .003"
