Waterjet cutting is a precision computer-controlled cutting technology that uses a high-pressure water pump, combined with an abrasive, to cut near net shapes from ferrous and non-ferrous metals and plastics. The pump is capable of releasing up to 3 liters of water per minute through a 0.28-millimeter water nozzle. Adding a flow of garnet to the jet of water creates a medium capable of cutting materials at varying thicknesses, tolerances, and cut qualities.
Four Advantages to Waterjet Cutting:
1. Works well for tight tolerance and intricate design
Delivering water and garnet at up to 87,000 PSI in a very narrow stream allows for precise cutting capabilities, which are excellent for intricate details. The cutting accuracy results in minimal rough edges or burrs left after processing. The high edge quality can reduce the need for additional finishing requirements like grinding or polishing.
The photo above: Red metals and 6061 aluminum alloy are shown here in this picture of waterjet machined samples. Waterjet cutting is an ideal solution when the parts you need cut require an extreme edge detail with a smooth result.
2. Possible for single-parts or scaled production
Whether you need a single piece or many parts, waterjet cutting can be the right solution. Since waterjet cutting is on-demand, setup costs are lower than traditional CNC machining. At thyssenkrupp Materials Copper and Brass Sales, all of our waterjet machines are the same model; this allows us to control the output and creates the ability to develop standardized specifications and standardized tolerances. For increased productivity and cutting speeds, our waterjet machines feature dual three-axis heads and sophisticated nesting software that determines the best material usage possible.
3. No structural changes to the material, no heat zone
The fact that waterjet cutting is an inherently cold process is a huge benefit. Products that might be adversely affected by the heat process involved in other cutting methods, like laser cutting, are not affected by waterjet cutting, so there is no possibility of burning, melting, warping, surface hardness or cracks. Using a thermal method to material cut can also change the properties of some metals. Cutting with waterjet machines is also better for the environment with no hazardous gas emission.
4. High machining accuracy and surface quality
A variety of different edge qualities are available to provide the most effective balance of speed of cutting and edge quality to give our customers what they need at a price that makes sense.
The photo above: Different finishes can be achieved on parts depending on the quality level you require. The example above shows: Production Quality 1, Standard Quality 3, and Premium Quality 5. The level of finish quality is determined by the amount of time each part is machined. For example, a 2″ plate Quality 1 standard finish will take about two minutes of machine time, whereas the Quality 5 finish, which is around a 1/2″ a minute of waterjet machining.
With tight tolerances and the power to cut through varying thicknesses of metals like aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, titanium, and plastics, there are not many limits to the power of the waterjet machine. With our in-house waterjet capabilities, we can turn a block of almost any material into the near-net-shape design you desire.
For convenient delivery, you can find thyssenkrupp Materials Copper and Brass waterjet machines across North America. Our waterjet equipment can cut up to 8″ thick material and has a table size of 120″x160″. Let thyssenkrupp Materials North America Copper and Brass Sales be your first choice for waterjet cutting and exceed your expectations.
Contact us at +1 (604) 805-3779 when you need waterjet cutting for your parts.
Learn more about our waterjet machines by watching the video below:
Leave a Reply