What Is Water Jet Cutting?

water jet cuttingThere are hardly any tools that are used in virtually every industry from mining to aerospace. The water
jet cutter, however, is just such a tool. Regarded as one of the most versatile tools in use today, the
water jet cutter, or waterjet, is a high-powered implement that can be used on almost anything.
Interested in knowing more? Keep reading for some great information about water jet cutters.

What is the tool?

Essentially, a waterjet uses an intensely pressured stream of water, either alone or with an abrasive
additive, to cut through a material. The pressure of the stream and fineness of the abrasion leaves a
smooth and precise cut. The stream must be very narrow in order to offer that precision and not destroy
the surrounding material. Though the process can be slow and costly, it offers one of the best precision
cuts of any tool available to the mainstream market today.

What can I use it with?

The waterjet can be used on pretty much any material in almost any industry. It can cut stone, tile, and
glass just as well as it can cut fabrics, foam, leather, and plastic. One of the only material restrictions for
the water jet cutter is ceramics. This type of material is quite brittle and doesn’t usually stand up to the
pressure of the water stream.

How does it work?

The waterjet relies heavily on an intensifier pump to create the necessary pressure for cutting through
tough materials. The pump utilizes a hydraulic pressure system and a high horsepower motor to drive
the action.

Water Jet Cutting Overview

Basically, fresh water is introduced to the low-pressure water input and then sent through the inlet
filter. From there, it is sent to the intensifier pump. The pump adds pressure to the hydraulic fluid,
signaling the pistons to move back and forth, which then pressurizes the water in the pump. The water
then flows from the pump to what is called an accumulator, a device that smooths out any ripples in the
water. Finally, the water is forced through a pressured tubing to the head of the device. The water is
controlled by the on/off valve here at the head. At this point, an abrasive component can be added to
the water in a mixing chamber.

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