Waterjet Cutting - 22 METAL WORKS

There are numerous ways to cut materials, but few have the cutting capacity and material flexibility of waterjet cutting. This process uses a powerful water stream to cut a workpiece of nearly any material and thickness with unmatched precision and power.

At 22 Metalworks, LLC, waterjet cutting is one of our core competencies. Here, we will explore this highly efficient and effective production process, guiding you through the various materials it can cut and the advantages waterjet cutting offers over other cutting methods.

Waterjet Cutting Explained

Getting its start in the U.S. military and aerospace sectors, waterjet cutting relies on a high-pressure water stream to create precision cuts through the surface of an array of material options. To increase the equipment’s cutting abilities or handle thicker components, machine shops can also add abrasive materials to the stream. Within a mixing chamber inside the cutting head, they’ll combine water with sand, suspended grit, aluminum oxide, garnet, or related agents, making sure the hardness of the abrasive is comparable to the material they’re cutting.

The high efficiency and cutting capabilities of waterjet cutting machines give them superior operational performance compared to cutting equipment for planing, milling, turning, flame cutting, or laser, plasma, and EDM machining. This equipment is capable of producing intricate designs or details like precision holes, even in thick or high-hardness materials. Sometimes referred to as “water as the knife,” this cold-cutting process does not utilize or create any heat. It doesn’t produce any hazardous gas or liquid waste either, making it safer for the environment.

Waterjet Cutting Materials

Waterjet cutting is versatile for its compatibility with a wide range of materials. It’s suitable for successfully cutting:

Metals. Waterjet cutting can cut through even the hardest of metals, making it applicable for materials ranging from aluminum to hardened tool steel, titanium, and various exotic metals.
Natural materials. This process is also suitable for wood, stone, glass, and ceramic materials.
Synthetic materials. Waterjet cutting can handle plastics, hard rubber, fiberglass, composites, and many other synthetic materials.
Laminates. Waterjet machines have the ability to cut stacked material sheets, thermocouples, and bimetals.
Miscellaneous materials. Foam, rubber, cardboard, paper, leather, and textiles are additional examples of materials that this process can successfully cut.

Waterjet Cutting Advantages

Manufacturers choose waterjet cutting for its many advantages. The primary benefits include:

Enhanced speed throughout the process. In addition to being a rapid process in itself, waterjet cutting reduces the time spent on each individual stage from drawing to manufacturing. For example, due to the low tangential force in the process, you rarely need to utilize a clamp and so are able to save on equipment setup time.
Compatibility with diverse materials and thicknesses. Waterjet equipment can cut through virtually any material type, including hard materials like metal or stone and soft options like rubber or foam, regardless of thickness. It can even cut stainless steel as thick as 15 inches or simultaneously cut through stacked layers of thinner material to process multiple sheets at a time.
Economical operating costs. This process keeps production costs low as it doesn’t use coolants or other cost-prohibitive consumables. Cutters also don’t have parts like blades that require maintenance and replacement. The time you save using this efficient process equates to cost savings, as well.
Non-thermal cutting technique. Cutting with waterjet machines is a cold-cutting method, not generating or applying any heat during the procedure. This prevents discoloration, warping, melting, and other heat-based consequences that might negatively impact the final product and customer satisfaction.

Waterjet Cutting Services From 22 Metalworks

Waterjet cutting offers an efficient, high-speed solution for creating intricately designed parts. Whatever your material or thickness requirements, the team at 22 Metalworks can help. We’re a custom manufacturer and machining shop offering various fabrication services to ensure every project is a success. In addition to waterjet cutting, we provide CNC machining and welding services to deliver custom solutions for your manufacturing needs.