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CNC Waterjet Cutting

The Water Jet machine produces part shapes by cutting sheet material using a high pressure stream of water containing abrasive particles.

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CNC Waterjet cutting can create thin details and almost any shape. As there is no heat generated during waterjet cutting, the part being cut does not undergo distortion. High cutting accuracy is achieved without frayed edges or burrs. Therefore, edge quality is good and the need for secondary finishing processes is usually eliminated.

Possible shapes

2D shapes including cutouts of almost any complexity.

sprocket cut by waterjet

Example parts

CNC Waterjet cutting is used in almost every industry. For example: Aerospace, Crafts, Power Generation, Architectural, Medical Equipment, Furnishing, Automotive, Jewelry, Semi-Conductors.

Advantages of CNC Waterjet Cutting

Cuts without edge burrs, generates no heat so the material edge is unaffected, cuts a sandwich of different materials, cuts materials from as thin as .001" to as thick as 4", yields no poisonous gas when cutting plastics or rubber

Specifications for CNC Waterjet Cutting

Material - almost any: Steel, Alloys, Carbon, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass, Copper, Plastics, Fiberglass, Hi-temp Alloys, Foam, Marble, Inconel, Laminates, Gasket material, Wood, Cobalt, Granite, Ceramics, Polycarbonates, Glass, Rubber, Plywood, Titanium, Magnesium

Alternative machines - Laser Cut (for thin metals), Blanking (for longer runs), Turret Punch (for medium runs), Mill 3-Axis (for short runs).

Tooling - CNC Waterjet Cutting requires only software program tooling.

Reducing costs - reduce total cut length and material thickness.

Notes

Edges are good but not as smooth as milling or punching. Some spots along the edge, such as where the cut ends may be less smooth. The edges of the cut part generally have a dull finish. Kerf width ~.060". Inside sharp corner radius of approx half kerf width. There will likely be some hazing on the surface - especially near the edges. Thin flimsy structures and shapes where a high percent of material is removed, may present difficulty in meeting dimensional and flatness tolerances. There is slight sloping of the cutting edge (the bottom side will have slightly more material at the edge than the top side).