Waterjet Cutting Explained: Precision, Versatility, and Business Advantages

In the fabricating business, we have several ways to cut shapes. Shape cutting processes include lasers, routers, plasmas and oxy-fuel and of course waterjet cutting machinery. Although each shape cutting process is different some cutting machines are better at certain applications than others and have a more specialized range of applications. Here’s what you should know about waterjet cutting machines and how they can help your business. 

What is a Waterjet Cutter?

So what exactly is a waterjet cutter anyway? A waterjet cutter, also known as a waterjet cutting machine, is a  cutting machine that harnesses the power of pressurized water, typically mixed with an abrasive material, dispersed through a hardened nozzle controlled by a CNC to cut various shapes and designs into a wide range of materials. 

The machine works by firing highly pressurized water at a material through an opening constructed with a ruby or a diamond. The pressurized water is directed through a small nozzle, generating a vacuum where an abrasive substance such as garnet is pulled into and mixed in the jet stream.  That stream is then expelled at extremely high velocity through the mixing tube/nozzle grinding its way through virtually any material.   

Components of a Waterjet Cutting Machine

Waterjet cutting machines are very much like other machines consisting of a Working Area, or Table, Controller & Drive System and with waterjet you will need to add a High Pressure Pump and Abrasive Delivery System. 

• Work Table: This is where your workpieces will be placed. It must be strong enough to carry the weight of heavy plates yet not scratch or mark the materials being cut. The tables can be made out of many materials such as steel, aluminum, plastics or even a combination of materials.
• Controller & Drive: This is where the machine motion is controlled and commanded from. Usually these machines are PC based controllers offering a rich suite of specific functions based on software integrated in wuith a controller and drive system 
• High Pressure Pump: This is where the water is pressurized from 40-50PSI coming out of your typical spigot to 40, 50 or even upwards of 90KPSI for cutting. These pumps are made in a variety of ways and we manufacturers continue to debat which design is better. In a recent article we explored that questions: Waterjet - Intensifier Vs Direct Drive Which is Better?
• Abrasive Delivery System: How the abrasive is fed to the machines cutting head is very important as incorrect flow rates can make materials not be cut all the way through and cause surface qualities very inconsistent. Having a good system to properly meter the abrasive to the cutting head can also save thousands on operating costs in reduced abrasive waste.

Benefits of Waterjet Cutting

There are many benefits and advantages to having a waterjet cutting machine on hand and practically no cons whatsoever. Waterjets are a must for every fab shop as they can: 

• Cuts through a Vast Array of Materials
• High Precision and Superior Edge Quality
• No Heat Distortion and Hardened Edges
• Doesn’t Produce Hazardous Waste

Unlike other fabrication processes, high-pressure waterjet cutting doesn't create hazardous waste such as fumes and toxic gases and with the world moving towards environmentally friendly solutions, waterjet cutters are vital pieces of equipment that can make this quest a reality. The waste by-products are only water, sand (or sludge) and minuscule grindings of the material being cut. In most every case this waste can simply be disposed of down the drain, in a dumpster or even used as fill dirt.

Perhaps one of the most impressive and compelling benefits of waterjet cutting machines aside from their unparalleled versatility is their incredible precision. Waterjet cutting machines are remarkably precise which makes them highly coveted by high-end shops. When you have a waterjet cutting machine in your shop you’ll get exquisitely smooth cut edges. The remarkable precision characteristic of waterjet cutting machines has earned them a strong reputation for producing high-quality pieces. 

What Materials Can a Waterjet Cut?

Another advantage of having a waterjet cutting machine is that is extremely versatile in terms of what it can cut through. A waterjet cutting machine can cut through almost any material you can touch, and in most any thickness, which arguably makes it one of the most impressive cutting machines on the market today. Materials that you can cut through using a waterjet cutting machine include wood, metal, plastic, and stone. 

Types of Waterjet Cutting

Two different types of waterjet cutting machines include straight water cutting machines and abrasive waterjet cutting machines. Both have their own range of uses and advantages. Abrasive waterjet cutting machines are generally used to cut through the hardest of materials and are far more popular in metal fabrication. 

Find Your Waterjet Cutting Machine at Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales!

Whether you’re looking for a standard or abrasive waterjet cutting machine, a used one, or a brand new one, you can find yours at Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales! You’ll love our prices and when you experience our customer service, you’ll feel like the VIP you are! 

Check out our fine selection of new and used waterjet cutting machines at Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales today!