FOCUS ON WATERJET CUTTING
THE RIGHT PROFILE
We highlight a selection of the latest new waterjet cutting systems, technologies and innovations for sheet metal manufacturers.
“ The ability of waterjet to cut most materials at any thickness on the same system provides precious flexibility for job shops.”
Image: Hypertherm Associates.
The waterjet process is recognized as one of the most versatile and fastest growing cutting processes used in production applications across the globe. The versatile and efficient cold cutting process produces no heat-affected zones, thermal distortions, hardened material or material stresses. No noxious gases or liquids are used in waterjet cutting, and waterjets do not create hazardous materials or vapours. There is minimal material waste and environmental impact. A clean, burr-free finish often eliminates the need for secondary surface finishing.
Despite the high psi( pounds per square inch), waterjets do not actually cut with pressure but instead rely on velocity. The water pressure is exchanged for velocity when the water passes out of the cutting head’ s orifice. The higher the pressure, the higher the stream velocity. Pure waterjet is the original waterjet cutting method. An abrasive waterjet adds a garnet abrasive fed into the cutting head, mixed with the pure waterjet stream, and used to cut hard materials. Adding abrasive to the supersonic waterjet stream increases the cutting power a thousand times.
With the ability to cut complex shapes and intricate details, waterjet cutting systems are compatible with multiple materials and thicknesses. Systems can be configured with multiple heads; five-axis cutting heads can produce continuous bevels, revolve around the workpiece and cut at angles from 0-90 degrees. Robotic waterjet cells; 3D cutting; nano jet cutting and micro waterjet cutting are examples of advances that will help to expand the market for waterjet cutting.
A waterjet-cut part.
“ Waterjet is often regarded as an ideal cutting solution for job shops. A job shop rarely knows which project will come through the door next, and the ability of waterjet to cut virtually any
Image: Kerf Developments.
52 | ismr. net | ISMR May 2025