process waterjet cutting

A water jet cutter, also known as a waterjet is a tool capable of slicing into metal or other materials using a jet of water at high velocity and pressure, or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance. The process is essentially the same as water erosion found in nature but greatly accelerated and concentrated. It is often used during fabrication or manufacture of parts for machinery and other devices. It is the preferred method when the materials being cut are sensitive to the high temperatures generated by other methods. It has found applications in a diverse number of industries from mining to aerospace where it is used for operations such as cutting, shaping, carving, and reaming.

Waterjet Cutting Process

There are six main process characteristics to water jet cutting:

1.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.[8]
2.Is used for machining a large array of materials, including heat-sensitive, delicate or very hard materials.
3.Produces no heat damage to workpiece surface or edges.
4.Nozzles are typically made of sintered boride.
5.Produces a taper of less than 1 degree on most cuts, which can be reduced or eliminated entirely by slowing down the cut process.
6.Distance of nozzle from workpiece affects the size of the kerf and the removal rate of material. Typical distance is .125".