6 Advantages of Waterjet Cutting
The waterjet cutting process offers manufacturers an unparalleled level of flexibility compared to other cutting methods. With a broad spectrum of applications, waterjet cutting can accurately cut irregular shapes from almost any material, delivering exceptional edge quality. Intricate curves, straight cuts, boreholes, and lettering that were once painstakingly cut by hand can now be completed in a fraction of the time using a waterjet.
1. Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Just like any equipment, there is an optimal tool for every specific application. Waterjets truly shine when it comes to cutting extremely thick products. This includes materials such as aluminum, multi-layer composites, and hardened steel over 25 mm thick. They are also ideal for cutting products that must remain free from distortion or heat-affected areas.
If you're in search of a cutting process that guarantees superior edge quality, minimizes or eliminates the need for additional edge preparation, and offers the versatility to cut almost any type and thickness of product, then a waterjet is the perfect choice for you.
2. Exceptional Edge Quality
Edge quality is one of the primary reasons why designers opt for waterjets. Waterjet cutting produces smooth, consistent, and burr - free edges. The edge quality achieved by a waterjet is influenced by factors such as cutting speed, pressure, nozzle size, and abrasive flow rate. In numerous cases, waterjet cutting eliminates the requirement for secondary finishing operations, resulting in substantial time savings and enhanced workshop efficiency.
3. Precise Internal Kerfing
With a cutting accuracy ranging from ±0.038 to ±0.2mm (accuracy may vary depending on the machine), the waterjet stands as an incredibly versatile cutting tool. This is precisely why it is widely utilized across various industries worldwide for complex designs and tasks that demand tight tolerances.
4. Capability to Cut Any Shape or Thickness
High-pressure water mixed with abrasives forms a needle-like cutting stream, enabling the waterjet to cut virtually any shape and thickness. This includes bonded laminated materials, such as aluminum laminates and rubber - lined wear plates.
5. Absence of Heat - Affected Zones
Waterjet cutting is a cold cutting process, which effectively eradicates issues caused by heat distortion and hardened edges. This is particularly advantageous for complex metal fabrication projects and products that require further machining after cutting. For steel fabricators specializing in intricate fabrications that demand precise assembly, the distortion caused by thermal cutting can be a major hurdle. Any cutting process that generates heat has the side effect of altering the molecular structure of the steel in the affected area. This can have a detrimental impact on the performance of steels used in specialized applications, such as billet and armor plate.
6. Enhanced Cutting Flexibility
In simple terms, if a product cannot be cut by a waterjet, it is likely that no other cutting method can handle it either! The ability to efficiently cut almost any job as per a customer's requirements makes waterjets an extremely appealing option.
Waterjet cutters around the world are used daily to cut the following diverse range of products:
Aluminum: Dump trailers, boat components, aircraft parts, general fabrication items
Hardened Steel: Armor plating, billet materials, military hardware
Marble and Granite: Kitchen and bathroom vanities, memorials, monuments, decorative flooring
Ceramics: Porcelain, wear - resistant linings, floor and wall tiles
Plastics: Fiberglass, Kevlar, polyethylene, composite materials
Automotive: Carpets, roof linings, trim pieces, insulation materials
Glass: Splashbacks, doors, GPO cutouts, glass artworks
Gasket Manufacturing: Cork, rubber, neoprene, foam materials