When fabricating metal products, waterjets offer many advantages over other cutting machines. One benefit is their ability to make precise cuts without heat. When cutting machines expel heat during the cutting process, the chance of altering or damaging the material’s intrinsic properties increases. With waterjets, heat-sensitive materials can be processed without worrying about incidental damage.
Another benefit of waterjets is their capability of cutting complex and intricate designs. The width of the cut can easily be altered by adjusting the type/size of abrasive used as well as the nozzle. This allows the machinist to make very detailed cuts with an accuracy of about 0.13mm.
Waterjet cutting complex pattern
Also beneficial is the efficiency of waterjets. They maximize efficiency in a number of ways. Considered a “green” technology”, waterjets do not create any hazardous waste. Additionally, they can save more material than other, less precise cutting methods because they are so precise. This allows them to cut only what is needed, keeping the width to a minimum. They are also efficient because they don’t need much water to operate. And the water used can be recycled with a closed-looped system. The garnet abrasive used is non-toxic and can also be recycled.
Another advantage is the lack of airborne chemicals that are common to other cutting methods. With waterjets, there are no fumes or contaminants from cutting potentially hazardous materials such as fiberglass.
