When a shop is investigating waterjet cutting machines, they will often be surprised at the range of capabilities where a waterjet can be used. One of the best places to start is at the website for your waterjet supplier. They will be able to supply a table of materials suitable for waterjet cutting, the associated cutting parameters, and any caveats that the shop must deal with if they decide to go in that direction.
For a shop that deals with a wide range of materials and projects, it is often a good idea to get an overview of the full capabilities of Waterjet Cutting machines. The first thing to notice is that a waterjet can be used to cut almost any stiff material. This even includes such materials as steel and titanium. Waterjet cutting is not suitable for cutting wood, for example, because the lack of stiffness in the wood allows the material to absorb the impact of the waterjet water molecules. In addition, any material like wood that is susceptible to water damage would not be suitable for this type of cutting.
A critical specification is the maximum thickness that may be cut with waterjet cutting machines. The material with the smallest maximum thickness is ceramic floor tiles at 2”. The material with the largest maximum thickness is open-cell foam at 30”. The thickest metal that can be cut is aluminum at 18”. Other specifications include the ability to pierce through, to cause delamination, to produce frosting on top, to maintain specified kerf (20-50 mils), and the ability to use abrasive in the waterjet stream.
Waterjet cutting machines are also appropriate for a range of alloys. These include Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Titanium, Waspalloy, Hastalloy, and Inconel. There is no Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) generated by the waterjet that would cause warping, distortion, or a change in the molecular structure of the alloy.
Many companies wonder how the waterjet process compares to alternate methods of cutting as far as cost is concerned. If the company is currently using oxyfuel, plasma, or laser, and no secondary work is required, then a waterjet may not give significant cost benefits. However, if the results of the high temperatures involved in the alternate methods require a secondary pass, then a waterjet will likely be the most economical solution. This is also true if closer tolerances are needed or if the specifications require the removal of the HAZ.
Wardjet provides waterjet cutting machines that can handle your materials and thicknesses and reduce your operating costs.