Abrasive waterjet cutting

Abrasive waterjet cutting is gaining popularity as a means for cutting a wide variety of materials. Ease of programming and the jet’s ability to cut almost all materials and any thickness make it suitable for all shape cutting applications except extremely hard materials. Its most significant attribute as an accurate cold cutting process allows it to cut metals without leaving a heat affected zone.

There are many applications where abrasive waterjet is the superior cutting method. Although waterjet should be considered for all applications, it will not replace conventional cutting methods such as stamping, laser or plasma cutting. It will continue to experience increasing use for cutting a wide variety of specialty materials.

Abrasive waterjet cutting

Abrasive Jet Process Description
Abrasive waterjet cutting utilizes a high velocity coherent stream of water and abrasive that can be used to cut almost all materials. Water at 40,000 to 55,000 psi accelerates through a sapphire, ruby or diamond orifice. The stream passes through a mixing region where the vacuum, induced by the stream, sucks in abrasive. Momentum of the water stream accelerates and entrains abrasive as it passes through the nozzle. The stream exits the nozzle as a three phase mixture of air, water and abrasive particles with a cutting diameter of 0.020” to 0.060”. The high velocity abrasive particles impact on the kerf face and do the actual cutting. Kerf material is removed as microchips, with no negligible affects on the material.

The cutting stream carries 0.5 to 1.5 pounds per minute of abrasive. The quantity of abrasive is dependent on the cutting stream size, which is selected based on the material to be cut. Garnet is by far the most commonly used abrasive. It is environmentally clean, contains no free silica, and combines good cutting ability with reasonable wear on the consumables. Other less commonly used abrasives are olivine sand, silica sand and slag by-products. Due to its high Moh’s hardness, aluminum oxide has been rarely used, for cutting of very hard materials. Because of its high hardness aluminum oxide rapidly wears out the nozzle and is expensive to operate. Most shops use the abrasive once and then it is disposed as land fill waste.

The main attributes of the cut are: no heat, narrow kerf, good edge finish, and high accuracy. Successful, cost effective, abrasive waterjet applications take advantage of these characteristics.

How Waterjet cuttingworks

How Waterjet cutting works
In the battle to reduce costs, engineering and manufacturing departments are constantly on the lookout for an edge. The waterjet process provides many unique capabilities and advantages that can prove very effective in the cost battle. Learning more about the waterjet technology will give you an opportunity to put these cost-cutting capabilities to work.

Diagram of waterjet cutting works

Beyond cost cutting, the waterjet process is recognized as the most versatile and fastest growing process in the world (per Frost & Sullivan and the Market Intelligence Research Corporation). Waterjets are used in high production applications across the globe. They compliment other technologies such as milling, laser, EDM, plasma and routers. No noxious gases or liquids are used in waterjet cutting, and waterjets do not create hazardous materials or vapors. No heat effected zones or mechanical stresses are left on a waterjet cut surface. It is truly a versatile, productive, cold cutting process.

The waterjet has shown that it can do things that other technologies simply cannot. From cutting whisper thin details in stone, glass and metals; to rapid hole drilling of titanium; to cutting of food, to the killing of pathogens in beverages and dips, the waterjet has proven itself unique.

How High Pressure Water is created
The basic technology is both simple and extremely complex. At its most basic, water flows from a pump, through plumbing and out a cutting head. It is simple to explain, operate and maintain. The process, however, incorporates extremely complex materials technology and design. To generate and control water at pressures of 60,000 psi requires science and technology not taught in universities. At these pressures a slight leak can cause permanent erosion damage to components if not properly designed. Thankfully, the waterjet manufacturers take care of the complex materials technology and cutting-edge engineering. The user need only be knowledgeable in the basic waterjet operation.

Essentially, there are two types of waterjets; (1) pure waterjet and (2) abrasive waterjet. Machines are designed to employ only waterjet, only abrasive waterjet, or both. With any type, the water must first be pressurized.

The Pump
The pump is the heart of the waterjet system. The pump pressurizes the water and delivers it continuously so that a cutting head can then turn that pressurized water into a supersonic waterjet stream. Two types of pump can be used for waterjet applications — an intensifier based pump and a direct drive based pump.

What are the Dangers of Waterjet Cutting?

What are the Dangers of Waterjet Cutting?
Waterjet cutting is commonly used in the manufacturing world to cut a wide range of materials. Waterjet cutting involves a stream of highly pressurized water that is capable of cutting everything from ceramics to titanium. Sometimes, the jet is combined with abrasive materials for a cleaner cut, although this is not required. Waterjet cutting is an excellent tool for cutting materials that cannot be cut with blades and lasers, and when used properly, it is an excellent addition to the manufacturing process.

Waterjet Machine

There are a number of risks associated with waterjet cutting, like most industrial processes designed to cut through materials much denser than the human body. Extreme care and proper training on the part of the operator are required to prevent injuries. Waterjet cutting should never be undertaken by someone who is intoxicated, taking judgment impairing prescription medications, tired or sick, or under the influence of other controlled substances.



A common danger associated with waterjet cutting is eye damage. Should the human eye be exposed to a high pressure jet of water, it may suffer corneal scratches, detachment of the retina, or complete dislocation. Damage to the cornea can heal, but detachment of the retina or displacement of the eye can lead to blindness. While fast healing, the eye is a delicate organ when subjected to intense forces, and it is advisable to wear solid eye protection while using a waterjet cutter.

Cnc Shop

CNC Machines, Water jet Cutting machines and Granite Bridge Saw are getting very popular machineries in today’s industrial world. These are most effective, cost effective and fastest growing method to cut materials.

CNC Machines technology is one of the new emerging technologies used in metal industry. The introduction of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines has made a great impact on the manufacturing industry. These are very useful as can help to cut curves as a straight line; Complex 3-D structure can be produce and thus reduced the human actions. This is one of the reasons so that CNC Shop are getting so popular and helpful. It gives more flexibility in holding the parts in manufacturing and to change the machine to produce different components.

CNC Waterjet cutting machine

CNC machine has the functions of milling, grinding, polishing and sculpting.It is especially suitable for producing high grade basin board and other abnormal productsMade of stone, ceramic, glass and micro-crystal stone. The machine will automaticallyfinish the processing of any required profile by simple setting. The products are of high precision and good glossiness rate.

One more example of same type of tool is Water jet cutting Machines, which are capable of slicing into metal or materials with high velocity and pressure. It is often used for both fabrication and manufacture of parts for machinery and some other devices.

Understanding Water Jet Cutting Technology Helps Manufacturing Firms Cut Costs

Waterjet cutting Technology
Water Jet cutting services make use of a super high pressure stream of water that carries an abrasive grit. This abrasive mixes with the water through a venturi effect in what is commonly called the “focusing tube” just prior to cutting. This mixture of water and abrasive grit exit the focusing tube at speeds of approximately mach 2.5. Cutting pressures range between 45,000 to 60,000 psi for standard cutting models. For brittle, fragile, or delicate materials, piercing pressures range between 15,000 to 20,000 psi, and resume the higher cutting pressures when the pierce has been completed. This low pressure pierce is not true of all machines, and cutting models.

Waterjet cutting Technology

Manufacturing companies are always looking for a cost effective edge. Wasted material, time spent in secondary operations, machine wear, and man hours relate to rising manufacturing costs. Water Jet cutting services offer a flexible and versatile alternative to other types of two dimensional cutting for most materials.



A water jet cutting service can be your defense in the cost battle. Metal cutting services help reduce material cost by reducing material waste. Parts are tightly nested using nesting software to maximize material usage. Machine wear, and no necessity for secondary processes, save you significant amounts of money per year. Custom blanks and prototypes are cut to customer specifications, using metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, bronze or copper in a variety of shapes or dimensions.

Water Jet cutting is an innovate

Innovate Waterjet Cutting
Waterjet cutting is an innovative and relatively new technology that allows for precise yet inexpensive cutting of a wide range of materials. The principle behind a waterjet is simple but nonetheless surprising. As the name implies, a jet of water is directed out of an orifice at about three times the speed of sound. The intense pressure of the narrow stream allows the water to actually cut through almost any material placed in front of it.

Although waterjets can cut virtually any material, they are mostly used for flat sheets of plastic, aluminum, steel, tile and stone. Sometimes an abrasive, such as garnet or sand is added to the water to improve the cutting efficiency. Some waterjets can cut through 12" (15cm) thick steel!

5 Axis Waterjet cutting

There are many waterjet cutting systems available, but most include a similar set of components. The heart of the system is a pump that increases the pressure of water in a tank up to 4,200 Kg/cm2 (60,000 pounds per square inch). The material to be cut is placed on a large table. A computer-controlled robotic arm or X-Y system controls the stream of water to cut out the desired shapes. The stream of water is very narrow (usually .03" or .75mm) which allows waterjets to cut details impossible to achieve with conventional cutting tools.

Waterjet systems are usually controlled by a computer so that digital drawings can be used to generate the cutting instructions. Despite the intricacy and accuracy of cuts, waterjet cutting is often more affordable than traditional cutting methods. A further benefit to this type of cutting, is that negligible heat is generated during the process thereby protecting materials sensitive to such stress. One obvious disadvantage, however,is the water itself; wood, paper and some fabrics are disqualified since they are sensitive to moisture.

What is water jet cutting

Water jet cutting is not new to the machine tool industry. It has been around since about 1970. With recent changes in technology, it is gaining in popularity. Water cutting is accomplished by forcing water at very high pressure (20,000 to 60,000 psi) through a small diameter orifice to produce a very high pressure water column. Abrasive jet cutting is similar but not the same as water jet cutting.

Water Jet Cutting

Waterjet cutting is used to cut a variety of thin or soft materials. These include soft rubber, foam, aluminum foil, carpet, paper and cardboard, soft gasket material, candy bars, diapers and soft or thin wood.

Waterjet wood cutting has become popular in the past decade. One of the reasons for the growing popularity of this tool is that a waterjet never dulls, nor does it create dust, noxious odors or generate excessive heat. Waterjets and abrasive water jets have been used to wooden signs, wood sculptures and saw logs.

Modern waterjet machinery is computer controlled and can be incredibly precise. The water pressure from some of these machines reaches 50,000 psi and can cut within two thousands of an inch. The water leaves the nozzle of these machines at speeds of more than 900 mph.

Waterjets were first developed for mining nearly 175 years ago. It is only in recent years that they have become practical for industrial useage. Today, water jet cutting is used for stone cutting and cutting steel, plastic, wood, stainless steel and even diapers and candy bars.

What is water jet cutting

Water Jet Cutting Machine
Waterjet cutting is an innovative and relatively new technology that allows for precise yet inexpensive cutting of a wide range of materials. The principle behind a waterjet is simple but nonetheless surprising. As the name implies, a jet of water is directed out of an orifice at about three times the speed of sound. The intense pressure of the narrow stream allows the water to actually cut through almost any material placed in front of it.

Waterjet cutting machine

Although waterjet machine can cut virtually any material, they are mostly used for flat sheets of plastic, aluminum, steel, tile and stone. Sometimes an abrasive, such as garnet or sand is added to the water to improve the cutting efficiency. Some waterjets can cut through 12" (15cm) thick steel

There are many waterjet cutting systems available, but most include a similar set of components. The heart of the system is a pump that increases the pressure of water in a tank up to 4,200 Kg/cm2 (60,000 pounds per square inch). The material to be cut is placed on a large table. A computer-controlled robotic arm or X-Y system controls the stream of water to cut out the desired shapes. The stream of water is very narrow (usually .03" or .75mm) which allows waterjets to cut details impossible to achieve with conventional cutting tools.

Waterjet systems are usually controlled by a computer so that digital drawings can be used to generate the cutting instructions. Despite the intricacy and accuracy of cuts, waterjet cutting is often more affordable than traditional cutting methods. A further benefit to this type of cutting, is that negligible heat is generated during the process thereby protecting materials sensitive to such stress. One obvious disadvantage, however,is the water itself; wood, paper and some fabrics are disqualified since they are sensitive to moisture.

Why you should use water jet cutting

Why use Water Jet Cutting Machine

1. The large variety of materials that can be cut - virtually anything

2. No heat affected zones

3. No stress's placed on parts due to fixturing

4. Quality of edge finish is excellent - no burrs or edges to grind

5. No special tooling or fixtures required - which saves time & money

Waterjet Cutting

6. CAD/CAM/CNC controller are the latest up to date technology

7. Machine set up is quick

8. Virtually no waste - parts can be nested together or use common line edge cuts.

9. Materials up to 3/8” thick in 4'x8' sheets can be stacked for multiple parts with one cut

10. Precision of cut and repeatability are excellent - Tolerances of ± .003” to .005” can be held

11. Environmentally friendly, no smoke, dust or hazardous materials

12. Quick turn around

13. All of this adds up to producing a high quality product at a reasonable price to our customers

History of Waterjets

Dr. Norman Franz is regarded as the father of the waterjet. He was the first person who studied the use of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) water as a cutting tool. The term UHP is defined as more than 30,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Dr. Franz, a forestry engineer, wanted to find new ways to slice thick trees into lumber. In the 1950's, Franz first dropped heavy weights onto columns of water, forcing that water through a tiny orifice. He obtained short bursts of very high pressures (often many times higher than are currently in use), and was able to cut wood and other materials. His later studies involved more continuous streams of water, but he found it difficult to obtain high pressures continually. Also, component life was measured in minutes, not weeks or months as it is today.

Waterjet cutting Machine

Dr. Franz never made a production lumber cutter. Ironically, today wood cutting is a very minor application for UHP technology. But Franz proved that a focused beam of water at very high velocity had enormous cutting power — a power that could be utilized in applications beyond Dr. Franz's wildest dreams.



In 1979, Dr. Mohamed Hashish working at Flow Research, began researching methods to increase the cutting power of the waterjet so it could cut metals, and other hard materials. Dr. Hashish, regarded as the father of the abrasive-waterjet, invented the process of adding abrasives to the plain waterjet. He used garnet abrasives, a material commonly used on sandpaper. With this method, the waterjet (containing abrasives) could cut virtually any material. In 1980, abrasive-waterjets were used for the first time to cut steel, glass, and concrete. In 1983, the world's first commercial abrasive waterjet cutting system was sold for cutting automotive glass. The first adopters of the technology were primarily in the aviation and space industries which found the waterjet a perfect tool for cutting high strength materials such as Inconel, stainless steel, and titanium as well as high strength light-weight composites such as carbon fiber composites used on military aircraft and now used on commercial airplanes. Since then, abrasive waterjets have been introduced into many other industries such as job-shop, stone, tile, glass, jet engine, construction, nuclear, and shipyard, to name a few.

Water jet cutting

Waterjet cutting Machine
Water can cut metals. Sounds impossible, but is true. Water jet cutting is a process of cutting the sheets of metals with a high-pressure stream of water containing some abrasive particles. Water jet cutting can yield any 2D shape from metal sheets. It can cut any metal sheet between the thickness ranges of 0.001” to 4”.

Water jet cutting machine

CNC water jet cutting is the computer mediated water jet cutting process. In this, the user has to draw the design to which the metal sheet needs to be cut and the software for the CNC water jet cutting process follows it to cut the metal sheet to that particular shape. CNC water jet cutting is advantageous, as it does not release any heat during the cutting process that may distort the cut edges of the metal sheet. It cuts smooth edges and hence does not any further finishing, although deburring may be specified.The process also does not release any poisonous gas and is thus very safe.

Water jet cutting at the points that it produces the distorting heat while cutting the edges and also it wastes a lot of metal during the tearing process. Laser cutting can be a great alternative if you want to cut a thin metal sheet. Plasma cutting can be used, but due to the high temperature, there is a greater chance of heat distortion of the metal.

Water jet cutting can cut almost any material like steel, carbon, aluminum, metal alloys, brass, copper, magnesium, titanium, plywood, rubber, glass, wood, gasket material, laminates, foam, marble, fiberglass, etc. Because a robot rather than a human handles CNC water jet cutting, it is cheaper being somewhat free of human labor except for set-up. Plus, it has high accuracy and repeatability.