How Thick Can Waterjet Cut

Truly, a waterjet can cut up to any thickness, but tolerances will change the thicker the material being cut. Tight accuracies can be kept when cutting materials under 4 inches thick, a near net shape is achieved when cutting thicker materials.

How thick of steel can a waterjet cut?

Practically speaking 2″ (5 cm) to 3″ (7.5 cm) thick steel is about the upper thickness limit for an abrasive waterjet. If you want to cut steel that is thicker than 3″ (7.5 cm), the time to cut goes up significantly and it becomes less and less cost-effective to use a waterjet.

How thick can a waterjet cut through?

A water jet can cut a “sandwich” of different materials up to four inches thick. This odorless, dust-free and relatively heat-free process can also cut something as thin as five thousandths of an inch. The tiny jet stream permits the first cut to also be the final finished surface.

What can a waterjet not cut?

Among the very few materials that waterjets cannot cut are diamonds and tempered glass. Some composite materials (layers of different materials sandwiched together) can’t be cut because the water can seep between the layers and “delaminate” the material. Many composite materials cut just fine.

How thick aluminum can waterjet cut?

Alro can waterjet cut up to 8″ thick pieces in a single pass, depending on material. With a very narrow kerf line, waterjet cutting allows for tighter nesting than other methods. With a 120″ x 240″ maximum plate capacity, Alro can handle almost any waterjet cut job.

What PSI does a water jet cut at?

Typical waterjet cutting pressure is between 50,000 and 60,000 PSI. Many newer systems are pressurized up to 90,000 PSI. The water at this pressure is then released through a small orifice machined into a diamond or saphire, usually in the range of 5 to 15 thousandths of an inch diameter.

Is water jet cutting expensive?

Waterjet cutting machines are expensive to purchase, operate, and maintain. When you request to use a waterjet you are going to have to pay for more than just time occupying and utilizing the machine.

How thick can a plasma cutter cut?

Plasma cutters are used to perform cutting and gouging operations, with the average hand-held system capable of cutting a maximum metal thickness of about 1 inch. Plasma typically requires a source for compressed air and a substantial amount of electrical power.

Can a water jet cut metal?

More than just common materials of mild steel and aluminum, abrasive waterjets easily cut titanium, Inconel®, brass, and tool steel. Whether you’re cutting 8 inch thick titanium or 1/4 inch aluminum, you’ll discover that Flow waterjets are versatile enough to cut a variety of shapes and materials.

Can a waterjet cut stainless steel?

Stainless steel can be cut easily on the OMAX abrasive waterjet, even those such as 304 that are difficult to machine with other processes without heat or distortion.

Can a water jet cut skin?

Make no mistake though, this injury is extremely severe. Water blasting injuries are similar to gunshot wounds but have the added danger of introducing contaminated water into the wound. If the water jet cuts through a shoe or sleeve and punctures the skin, it may only appear as a small bruise.

Can a water jet cut through anything?

Materials commonly cut with a water jet include textiles, rubber, foam, plastics, leather, composites, stone, tile, glass, metals, food, paper and much more. “Most ceramics can also be cut on an abrasive water jet as long as the material is softer than the abrasive being used (between 7.5 and 8.5 on the Mohs scale)”.

How much does a water jet cutter cost?

CNC waterjet machines require an expensive Ultra High Pressure Intensifier pump, so they are going to range from at least $100,000 to as much as $350,000, depending on size and options. Finally, CNC laser machines are usually the most costly.

How does water jet loom work?

A water jet loom is similar to an air jet loom but uses water instead of air to transport the yarn around the shed. Water jet looms can weave very quickly whilst the yarn is not damaged as water is less abrasive than solid matter moving the yarn around (like it is with rapier weaving looms).

How powerful is waterjet cutting?

Most water jets produce around 500 to 700 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure, but some of the more advanced water jets are capable of producing up to 1,600 PSI of pressure. With water blasting out the nozzle at 1,600 PSI, it’s able to slice through even the hardest surfaces.

Can a waterjet cut diamond?

Since diamond is the hardest material in the world, only the waterjet machine can cut it.” The OMAX 2626 is a high-precision waterjet machine often found in research labs, tech prototyping, and even aerospace facilities.

Is water jet cutting loud?

Waterjet machines are loud and messy. Cutting above water can lead to mist, spray, and a bit of noise pollution, depending on the waterjet’s design. But by cutting beneath a small layer of water, most of these concerns can be reduced or eliminated.

What abrasive is used in water jet cutting?

Abrasive waterjet cutting uses an abrasive particle (e.g. garnet) added to high pressure water to cut through hard materials. The abrasive particle is added to the water in the nozzle of a waterjet cutting machine.

Is waterjet cutting cheaper than laser cutting?

Plasma operating cost would again be the lowest, and is typically estimated at approximately $15/hour. The cost of laser would be slightly higher, typically estimated at around $20/hour. Waterjet is usually considered to be the most expensive, typically estimated at about $30/hour.

How much is a small water jet?

Pricing for small waterjet cutting systems can start around $60k and complete custom systems can reach into the millions.

How much PSI does a plasma cutter need?

For the majority of the Everlast product line, air pressure required to operate the torches is anywhere between 55 to 70 psi. Low amperage cuts will require less air pressure for more stable operation, sometimes down to 45 psi or so, or the arc will be blown out.

How thick of metal can a 50 amp plasma cutter cut?

Excellent Air Plasma Cutter: The Cut-50 Plasma Cutter can easily cut up to 0.55”(14 mm) metal under maximum output with ultimate portability weighing only 21.56 lbs.

How thick can an oxy acetylene torch cut?

Oxy-acetylene torches can easily cut through ferrous materials in excess of 200 mm (8 inches). Oxygen lances are used in scrapping operations and cut sections thicker than 200 mm (8 inches).