What is Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet Cutting

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What is CNC Waterjet Cutting?

Waterjet cutting is a versatile CNC cutting technology that uses a high pressure stream of water to cut through a wide range of materials. It is a popular subtractive manufacturing process that offers many benefits, including high degrees of accuracy, manufacturing complex shapes, and minimal material waste. In this article, we will explore the basics of waterjet cutting, including how it works, its applications, and its advantages.



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CNC Waterjet Aluminum
CNC Waterjet Aluminum

How It Works

Waterjet cutting works by pressurizing water to extremely high levels and then directing the resulting stream through a nozzle. In some cases, an abrasive substance, such as garnet, may be added to the water to increase its cutting power. The stream of water and abrasives is then directed at the material to be cut. The high-pressure and abrasive properties of the water cause it to cut through the material.

Applications

Waterjet cutting is used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, as well as in art and architecture. It is particularly useful for cutting materials that are sensitive to heat, such as plastics and composites, as the water does not generate heat during cutting. Waterjet cutting can also be used for precision cutting of intricate shapes and designs, making it popular in the production of complex components and parts.

Advantages of Waterjet Cutting

One of the main advantages of waterjet cutting is its high accuracy. Because the stream of water is so narrow and focused, it can cut through materials with extreme precision, allowing for intricate shapes and designs to be produced without the need for additional finishing.

WaterJet Cut Gear
WaterJet Cut Gear

Waterjet cutting is also environmentally friendly, as it produces minimal waste and does not generate any harmful byproducts. Additionally, waterjet cutting is a non-contact process, which means that there is no material contact by the tool. This reduces the risk of damage or distortion to the material being cut.

Is Waterjet Cutting right for my parts?

Waterjet cutting is a highly versatile and precise manufacturing process that offers many benefits over traditional cutting technologies. The ability to cut through a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, makes it a popular choice for many industries ranging from aerospace to art and architecture. Whether you are looking to produce complex components or simply need a highly accurate CNC cutting technology, waterjet cutting is a powerful and efficient CNC cutting method that can help you achieve your manufacturing goals.

About the author:
Mitchell Eaton is the CEO and Co-founder of Prototype Hubs.
LinkedIn:
Mitchell Eaton

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