Water Jet Cutting Process

Water jet cutting is an industrial process that gives the ability to cut different types of materials using high pressure water, and often an abrasive (usually garnet). The slurry of water and abrasive pass through a precision abrasion resistant gemstone nozzle at a very high velocity to cut the workpiece. The nozzle is moved with a precision X-Y positioning systems and the height (or Z axis) is also controlled to position the nozzle above the workpiece. On critical applications or where the sections to be cut are especially thick, a nozzle with an additional axis of motion can be used to compensate for the taper of the cut.

"Water jet cutting is often used during fabrication of machine parts. It is the preferred method when the materials being cut are sensitive to the high temperatures generated by other methods. Water jet cutting is used in various industries, including mining and aerospace, for cutting, shaping, and reaming." (Wikipedia 2014)

Water jet cutting:

  • "Uses a high velocity stream of abrasive particles suspended in a stream of Ultra High Pressure Water (30,000–90,000 psi) which is produced by a water jet intensifier pump.
  • Is used for machining a large array of materials, including heat-sensitive, delicate or very hard materials.
  • Produces no heat damage to workpiece surface or edges.
  • Produces a taper of less than 1 degree on most cuts, which can be reduced or eliminated entirely by slowing down the cut process." (Wikipedia, 2014)
cost of water jet cutting

We offer discounts to new clients as well as parts that have been abrasive cleaned. Read more

We use water jet cutting for automotive, motorsport, aviation and water craft industries. See examples of our work.

videos of water jet cutting work

Watch the water jet cutting process in action in this video from How Stuff Works

water jet cutting quote

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