FOCUS ON WATERJET
A FLEXIBLE FLOW
We highlight a selection of the latest new waterjet cutting systems , technologies and processes for sheet metal manufacturers .
“ The introduction of five-axis cutting heads means that waterjets are now able to produce continuous bevels , revolve around the workpiece and cut at angles from 0-90 degrees .”
Image : Shutterstock . com .
Waterjet cutting is a versatile and efficient method of cutting a wide variety of materials , from tinfoil to titanium , using a high-pressure stream of water mixed with and without abrasive particles . Cutting systems use pure water or a mixture of water and abrasive material as a cutting media to cut up to 10-inch-thick steel plates . Abrasive waterjet is an ideal tool for the expanding industries who benefit from near net-shape production . Waterjet cutting offers many advantages over other cutting methods such as :
■ No heat-affected zone or thermal distortion .
■ Minimal material waste and environmental impact .
■ The ability to cut complex shapes and intricate details .
■ Compatibility with multiple materials and thicknesses .
The technology provides precision on contoured shapes ; a smooth edge with no bevel as well as no heataffected zone and no dross
Waterjet cutting systems are used in numerous industries including aerospace ( precision cutting of aerospace-grade materials for aircraft components and parts ); automotive ( cutting of automotive parts , panels and prototypes ); manufacturing ( high-volume production of metal parts ) and electronics ( precision cutting of electronic components and circuit boards ). Systems can be configured with multiple heads , while the introduction of five-axis cutting heads means that waterjets are now able to produce continuous bevels , revolve around the workpiece and cut at angles from 0-90 degrees .
“ The cold cutting process eliminates the risk of melting , tearing , hardening or deformation of the material being cut . The technology provides precision on contoured shapes ; a smooth edge with no bevel as well as no heataffected zone and no dross . It creates finished parts that require no secondary clean-up or machining . The absence
50 | ismr . net | ISMR May 2024