What is Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet cutting is a manufacturing method that employs high-pressure water streams to cut and shape various materials. This engineering approach harnesses the power of swift, concentrated and high-pressure water to slice through objects. During the waterjet cutting process, a minute, accurate nozzle is used to eject water at a pressure of 392 MPa. As the water leaves the nozzle, it attains speeds three times that of sound, creating a forceful water jet capable of cutting through a wide range of materials.

This technique has numerous applications, such as trimming automotive dashboards, bumpers, and roofing materials. It is also employed in demolishing concrete structures and cutting modern aircraft fuselage materials.

In pure waterjet cutting, water serves as the primary cutting agent and is ideal for softer materials like wood, plastic, and rubber. When an abrasive substance is introduced to the water stream, the cutting process becomes more potent and can slice through harder metals, including titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, glass, ceramics, and concrete.

An industrial waterjet cutter is a highly adaptable tool that can effectively cut through various metals and other materials. It operates by directing a high-pressure water jet that moves rapidly enough to penetrate metal or other substances. To enhance the cutter’s efficiency when working with metal or stone, an abrasive can be mixed into the water. If referred to as a pure waterjet or water-only, it indicates that no abrasive has been added, making the tool more suitable for cutting softer materials such as wood, plastic, or rubber. Some of the most significant advantages of waterjet cutting include its precision and the lack of heat generated compared to other cutting methods. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool in industries where cutting, shaping, or reaming is essential.