Frequently Asked
Questions

How does waterjet cutting work?

Waterjet cutting is the process of cutting materials with a high pressure water stream. Waterjet cutting works by forcing water through a very small orifice at extremely high pressure. High pressure pumps increase water pressure to 60,000 psi. The action of the cutting head is controlled by computer through vector input. What this means is that if you can draw it, it can be cut on a waterjet system.

This means that any flat two dimensional shape up to 4mtr x 2mtr can be cut out of most any material.

Pure water sent through the system can cut most soft materials like plastics, foam, gaskets, and wood. For the harder materials, like steel, titanium, and ceramics, an abrasive is added to the water stream. Typically, crushed garnet is used.

What are the benefits of waterjet cutting?

There are many benefits of waterjet cutting:

• Precision
• Reasonable cost
• Ability to cut reflective materials
• No thickness limitation
• Clean edges
• And many more…

• No edge hardening due to heat (unlike laser cutting)
• Ability to cut heat sensitive materials like plastics rubber and composites

What materials can be cut with water only?

All soft materials can be cut with a water only nozzle. Some examples are:

• Plastics
• Food
• Wood
• Rubber
• Cork
• Any many more

• Carpet
• Leather
• Foam
• Linoleum
• Card

What materials can be cut with abrasive waterjet?

The list is limitless but some examples are as follows:

• Alloys
• Tungsten
• Stainless steel
• Ceramic tile
• Laminates
• Inconel
• Titanium
• Marble

• Glass
• Composites
• Aluminium
• Carbon steels
• Stone
• Hardox
• Granite
• Armour plate

The list is again endless.