Waterjet cutting is the process of cutting
materials by using a high pressure stream of water. For very hard materials, a
granular abrasive is added to the water stream to increase the cutting power.
Virtually any material can be cut using waterjet machines including plastics,
metals (like steels, alloys, titanium, and copper), rubber, glass, concrete,
ceramics, and stone.
The main components
of a waterjet cutting machine are:
·
A high pressure pump that raises the pressure of the water to about 4000
bar.
·
The cutting head which directs the flow of water into a highly focused
beam for accurate cutting. If required, an abrasive mixing tube forms part of
the cutting head to mix the abrasive with the water.
·
Cutting tables that control the position of the cutting head for
accurate cuts.
·
A control system that can be pre-programmed to perform the cut
automatically.
Waterjet cutting is used in
industries like aerospace and automotive shops for efficient cutting and
shaping of component parts. A major advantage over other cutting techniques is
the fact that the cut is performed in cold conditions, thus eliminating heat
damage like melting or cracking and heat stresses like hardening or warping.
The high quality finish reduces the need for further processing steps and the
absence of heat and dust keeps the workplace safe and environmentally friendly.
Benefits of using
waterjet cutting process
·
An important benefit of the waterjet is the ability to cut
material without interfering with its inherent structure, as there is no heat-affected
zone (HAZ). Minimizing the effects of heat allows metals to be cut
without harming or changing intrinsic properties.] Sharp
corners, bevels, pierce holes, and shapes with minimal inner radii are all
possible.
·
Waterjet cutters are also capable of producing intricate cuts
in material. With specialized software and 3-D machining heads, complex shapes
can be produced.
·
The kerf, or width, of the cut can be adjusted by swapping
parts in the nozzle, as well as changing the type and size of abrasive. Typical
abrasive cuts have a kerf in the range of 0.04 to 0.05 in
(1.0–1.3 mm), but can be as narrow as 0.02 inches (0.51 mm). Non-abrasive
cuts are normally 0.007 to 0.013 in (0.18–0.33 mm), but can be
as small as 0.003 inches (0.076 mm), which is approximately that of a
human hair. These small jets can permit small details in a wide range of
applications.
·
Waterjets are capable of attaining accuracy down to 0.005
inches (0.13 mm) and repeat-ability down to 0.001 inches (0.025 mm).
·
Due to its relatively narrow kerf, waterjet cutting can reduce
the amount of scrap material produced, by allowing uncut parts to be nested
more closely together than traditional cutting methods. Waterjets use
approximately 0.5 to 1 US gal (1.9–3.8 l) per minute
(depending on the cutting head's orifice size), and the water can be recycled
using a closed-loop system. Waste water usually is clean enough to filter and
dispose of down a drain. The garnet abrasive is a non-toxic material that can
be mostly recycled for repeated use; otherwise, it can usually be disposed in a
landfill. Waterjets also produce fewer airborne dust particles, smoke, fumes,
and contaminants, reducing operator exposure to hazardous materials.
·
Meat cutting using waterjet technology eliminates the risk
of cross contamination since there is no contact medium (namely, a
blade).
Advantages of waterjet cutting
Following are ideal merits of using waterjet cutting services that
are
·
Cold cutting – no heat affected zones, no hardening
·
Omni-directional cutting – ability to cut in any direction
·
Perforates most materials without starting holes
·
Cuts virtually any material
·
Net-shape or near-net-shape parts (no secondary processing required
in many applications)
·
Minimal fix Turing required
·
Environmentally friendly
·
Reduces dust and hazardous gases
·
Does not workload material – stress-free cutting
·
Flexible machine integration
·
Saves raw materials (small cutting kerf width, nesting capabilities)
·
Faster than many conventional cutting tools
I guess, now you are clear about benefits of choosing waterjet cutting. Well, if you to obtain waterjet cutting
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