Waterjet Cutting
Waterjet Cutting is a versatile and precise cutting process that uses a high-pressure stream of water (pure waterjet) or a mixture of water and abrasive particles (abrasive waterjet) to cut through materials. This method is suitable for a wide range of materials, from soft materials like rubber and foam to hard materials such as metals and ceramics.
WATERJET CUTTING AT A GLANCE
- Principle of Operation
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- Pure Waterjet Cutting: Involves using a high-pressure stream of water to cut soft materials like rubber, foam, and some plastics. It is suitable for applications where abrasive particles are not needed.
- Abrasive Waterjet Cutting: Involves introducing abrasive particles (typically garnet) into the water stream to cut harder materials such as metals, stone, glass, and ceramics. The abrasive particles enhance cutting effectiveness
- Components of Waterjet Cutting Systems
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- High-Pressure Pump: Generates the high-pressure water stream required for cutting. Pumps can be hydraulic intensifier pumps or direct-drive pumps.
- Cutting Head: The cutting head directs the water or abrasive stream to the material being cut. It often includes a nozzle and a mixing tube.
- CNC Controller: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) systems control the movement of the cutting head to achieve precise cuts. The controller interprets digital design files and translates them into cutting paths.
- Advantages
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- Versatility: Waterjet cutting can cut a wide range of materials with varying thicknesses.
- Precision: It provides high precision and accuracy in cutting intricate shapes and fine details.
- No Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ): Waterjet cutting is a cold-cutting process, meaning it does not generate heat that could alter the material properties.
- No Mechanical Stresses: The cutting process does not subject the material to mechanical stresses, reducing the likelihood of distortion.
- Environmentally Friendly: It is an environmentally friendly process as it does not produce hazardous fumes or waste.
- Materials Suitable for Waterjet Cutting
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- Metals: Steel, aluminum, brass, copper, titanium.
- Stone: Granite, marble, limestone.
- Glass: Tempered and non-tempered glass.
- Ceramics: Various ceramic materials.
- Composites: Fiberglass, carbon fiber.
- Plastics: Acrylic, polyethylene, polycarbonate.
- Rubber and Foam: Natural rubber, foam materials.
- Applications
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- Metal Fabrication: Waterjet cutting is widely used in the metal fabrication industry for cutting metals into complex shapes and parts.
- Aerospace: Used for cutting aerospace components, including titanium and aluminum parts.
- Architectural Elements: Waterjet cutting is employed to create intricate patterns and designs in architectural elements like stone and glass.
- Automotive: Used in the automotive industry for cutting various materials, including metal and composites.
- Signage and Artwork: Waterjet cutting is popular for creating detailed signage, artwork, and decorative pieces.
- Limitations
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- Speed: While precise, waterjet cutting can be slower than some other cutting methods.
OUR CUTTING EDGE TEAM IS READY TO DELIVER!
Timmy Pack | Waterjet Cutting
Meet Timmy - a senior waterjet operator with 11 years of experience at Loftis. As a senior operator, Timmy maintains and oversees our waterjet services. Waterjet cutting is known for quality and precision, and so is Timmy. Contact us today to learn more about our waterjet cutting service.
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Brad Vaughan
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