Waterjet machines are an alternative option to other metal cutting machines like welders, plasma cutting devices, and laser cutters. The main difference between waterjet cutters and most others is the fact that waterjet systems require no heat to perform.
Waterjet cutters are very versatile in that these systems can work with an assortment of materials, ranging from soft to very firm materials. For instance, waterjet cutters can incise any material from:
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Leather
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Paper
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Plastic
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Rubber
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Foam
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Cardboard
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Food products
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Marble
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Ceramic
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Granite
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Stone
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Wood
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Bullet proof glass
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Metal
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Stainless steel
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Tool steel
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Titanium
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Inconel
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Aluminum
Moreover, waterjet machines are able to cut through an impressive range of densities. Waterjets can cut through densities anywhere from as thin as five-thousandths of an inch, to 7 inches thick. With the appropriate settings and adjustments, some waterjet models can even cut up to 18 inches thick.
The versatility of materials and thicknesses waterjets can work with make them an excellent source for composite cutting.
Another advantage of using waterjet for composite cutting is no heat is used during the cutting process.
With plasma cutters and laser cutters, heat is required to make incisions. Applying heat to workpieces causes what are known as heat affected zones, or HAZ's. An HAZ will alter the intrinsic properties of the materials and thereby decreasing strength. This counteracts the whole purpose of composite cutting as the main goal is to improve durability of the materials.
Another factor benefiting waterjet machines as composite cutters is that these devices do not cause delamination. Delamination is the separation of layers that may take place during composite cutting. It is also known as failure mechanisms which decrease the strength of materials. Failure mechanisms does not occur with waterjet cutters as the stream of water is not in contact with materials long enough to cause separation.
The concept of green technologies is another characteristic defining waterjet systems from other available precision cutters.
Waterjet cutters, both pure waterjets and abrasive waterjets, are acknowledged as forms of green technology.
Waterjet systems produce no hazardous waste and only use about a half a gallon of water per minute. In closed-loop waterjet cutters, the water is recycled for re-use within the system. Furthermore, the water is recyclable for use outside of the machine, as the water is safe enough to filter and dispose down a drain. This is also true for abrasive water mixes since the abrasives used, like garnet and aluminum oxide, are non-toxic and are part of natural resources.
Other factors classifying waterjet cutters as eco-friendly technologies is its low fuel emission and ability to filter surrounding dust particles such as:
Watejets can also filter airborne contaminants like asbestos and fiberglass, creating a much healthier environment for operators.
Waterjet cutting machines have a long list of advantageous characteristics that separate from other typical precision cutting methods, such as plasma cutting and laser cutting. They are ideal approaches for companies and individuals in need of composite cutting, and for environmentally conscious businesses.