Due to technological advancement, there are also advancements in the cutting industry with better cutting systems. The latest technology in cutting is known as waterjet cutting that uses high-pressure water stream where a narrow line is eroded in the stock material. To help cut a variety of materials like titanium, steel, and foam, an abrasive is usually added.
Since the abrasive is added at the nozzle, you can be able to switch between water-only cutting and abrasive waterjet cutting. Due to such flexibility, there is so much versatility with waterjet machines. Again the technology utilized in these water jet cutting systems, different shapes can be cut faster and accurately. The good thing is that even inexperienced operators will make accurate cuts without trial and error.
Waterjet systems use a computer program to guide the cutting process. The material is quickly cut using a thin water stream at high speed. Since the stream of water is so small, only small material is wasted. As a result, the cost is considerably reduced for both the customer and the machine shop. The following are other benefits offered by waterjet cutting.
1. A variety of materials can be cut.
When an abrasive is added in waterjet cutting, any material can be cut. For instance, it can be used to cut tool steels, stainless steel, carbon steels, copper, titanium, granite, ceramics, and wood among others. This better compared to some traditional cutting equipment that would only cut specific materials.
2. Heat damage is reduced.
There are no heat zones in waterjet cutting unlike other cutting methods such as laser and plasma that can cause heat damage. Because of this, it is possible to cut different materials like metals and plastics without distorting, melting or warping them. This is because any heat produced is absorbed by the water that goes back to the tank. Temperatures will only go high when piercing a thick metal part. Everything else will remain at room temperature.
3. Complex shapes are possible.
This is a huge advantage of waterjet cutting. You can cut almost any shape you want. You can now cut sharp corners, pierce holes, bevels, and shapes that have minimal inner radii. The cutting time is also minimized since tabbing, stacking, and nesting help in optimizing the material.
4. Friendly to the environment.
Because there is no production of chips, hazardous gases, and grindings, waterjet cutting is considered clean. There is also no need for emulsions and oil during cutting. When pure water is used, materials such as textiles, food products, and elastomers can be cut by a waterjet machine.