Waterjet Cutting in Metal Fabrication

Waterjet Cutting in Metal Fabrication

Waterjet cutting is an innovative technology that has revolutionized metal fabrication and other industries. It has become a popular choice in metal cutting because it offers a wide range of benefits compared to other metal cutting methods such as plasma cutting and laser cutting. In this blog post, we will discuss how waterjet cutting works and its advantages in metal fabrication.

What is Waterjet Cutting?

Waterjet cutting is a technology that uses a high-pressure jet of water to cut through various materials including metals, plastics, and composites. The process involves directing water through a narrow nozzle at high pressure, which intensifies the water’s velocity and creates a powerful cutting stream. Depending on the application, abrasive particles can be added to the water jet stream to further enhance the cutting ability.

How Does it Work?

Waterjet cutting involves a series of processes that include:

1. Material preparation: This involves cleaning and drying the material to remove any debris or contaminants that could impede the cutting process.

2. Design: The material is then designed using computer-aided design software (CAD). The CAD software generates a file that contains the exact design of the material to be cut.

3. Programming: The CAD file is then transferred to a waterjet cutting machine that is programmed to follow the design specifications.

4. Cutting: The waterjet machine cuts the material by directing a high-pressure jet of water through a small nozzle at the material. The force of the water cuts through the material, creating a clean and precise cut.

Advantages of Waterjet Cutting in Metal Fabrication

1. Precise cuts: Waterjet cutting is a highly precise cutting method that can achieve a cut accuracy of up to 0.005 inches. This precision is due to its ability to produce a narrow and powerful cutting stream. This precision is essential in metal fabrication since it helps in creating parts with tight tolerances.

2. Versatility: Waterjet cutting can cut through a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. This versatility makes it a popular choice for metal fabrication, especially for materials that are difficult to cut using traditional cutting methods.

3. Decreased material waste: Waterjet cutting generates very little waste compared to other cutting methods. This is because the cutting process is very precise, and the kerf (the width of the cutting stream) is very narrow. This results in less material waste and reduced material costs.

4. No Heat Affected Zone (HAZ): Other cutting methods such as plasma and laser cutting use heat to cut through materials. This heat can cause the material to warp, distort, or change its characteristics, leading to a HAZ. With waterjet cutting, there is no heat used in the cutting process, meaning that there is no HAZ.

5. Eco-friendly: Waterjet cutting is eco-friendly compared to other cutting methods. This is because it does not generate any hazardous gases or dust, and it reduces water and energy consumption.

6. Reduced Secondary Operations: Waterjet cutting produces precise cuts that require little or no secondary operations, such as grinding or sanding. This reduces the processing time and the cost of labor.

Applications of Waterjet Cutting in Metal Fabrication

Waterjet cutting has a wide range of applications in metal fabrication, including:

1. Aerospace: The aerospace industry uses waterjet cutting in the fabrication of airplane parts such as wings, engine parts, and landing gears.

2. Automotive: Waterjet cutting is used in the fabrication of automotive components such as body panels, exhaust systems, and engine parts.

3. Architectural Metalwork: Waterjet cutting is used to create architectural metalwork such as railings, stairs, and decorative metal features in buildings.

4. Medical Devices: Waterjet cutting is used in the fabrication of medical devices such as surgical instruments, prosthetics, and orthopedic implants.

5. Industrial Machinery: Waterjet cutting is used in the fabrication of industrial machinery such as pumps, valves, and gears.

Conclusion

Waterjet cutting has become a popular choice in metal fabrication due to its precision, versatility, and eco-friendliness. It offers several benefits compared to other cutting methods and has a wide range of applications in various industries. Its precision and ability to cut through difficult to cut materials make it a valuable tool in metal fabrication.

Working With N.W. Metal Fabricators, Inc.

For fabrication, machine shop work, and custom welding in Hermiston, OR, N.W. Metal Fabricators, Inc. is your premier choice as a sheet metal supplier, machine shop, and much more. We’re a full-service fabrication shop with years of experience and a dedication to complete customer satisfaction. As a result, we’re well-known for providing our customers with finished products that are made to an unparalleled level, done to spec and created within budget. Whether you need shearing and bending for a simple project or your design demands custom welds and powder coating, you can have confidence in contacting us to tackle the job. See site for more info: https://nwmetalfab.com/

Categorised in: Water Jet Cutting Services

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