With the technology impacting all areas, the cutting industry is a beneficiary of advanced cutting systems. The newest cutting technology is waterjet cutting and utilizes a stream of water at high speed to make a cut by eroding a narrow line on the 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. Because of such flexibility, waterjet machines become very versatile. Again the technology utilized in these water jet cutting systems, different shapes can be cut faster and accurately. Even for inexperienced operators, they can make accurate cuts.
The cutting process with waterjet systems utilizes a software that guides the cutting head. The high speed of thin water stream cuts the material faster. The waste is very minimal because the water stream used is so small. 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.
Cuts of almost any materials are possible when the high pressure, water, and an abrasive are added. Among the materials that could be cut are such as carbon steel, stainless steel, tool steel, titanium, wood, ceramic, granite, and copper. Unlike traditional equipment that can only cut certain materials, waterjet offers a huge benefit.
2. No heat damage.
Unlike other cutting methods like plasma and laser cutting, waterjet cutting does not result in heat affected zones on the cutting edges. This makes it possible to cut materials of different types such as plastics and metals without warping, distorting, or melting 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. Room temperatures will be maintained in everything else.
3. Complex shapes are possible.
This is a huge advantage of waterjet cutting. It is possible to cut almost any desired shape. It is now possible to have minimal inner radii, cut sharp corners, and pierce holes. At the same time, cutting time is significantly reduced because stacking, tabbing, and nesting help to optimize 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. At the same time, cutting emulsions and oils will also not be required. If pure water is being used, this cutting method can be used for materials such as food products, elastomers, and textiles.