Waterjet Cutting: The Advantages

Choosing the right cutting method for your specific application needs can be challenging. However, waterjet cutting has swiftly become the go-to technique for precision metal fabrication across a multitude of industries, thanks to its significant benefits when compared to traditional methods such as plasma and oxy-fuel cutting. 

Let's take a closer look at these advantages.

The Advantages

Cut Quality

One of the primary advantages of waterjet cutting machines is the superior cut quality they deliver. Unlike other methods that generate intense heat, waterjet cutting is a cold-cutting process. By eliminating the heat-affected zone (HAZ) on the material, waterjet cutting machines can produce smoother cuts that are free from blemishes caused by heat exposure from torches or lasers. Moreover, the absence of a heat-affected zone ensures you achieve the most pristine and precise cuts, resulting in a higher-quality end product for your customers.

Precision

Waterjet cutting also enables more accurate processing, thanks to its ability to create a thin kerf. This capability ensures the accurate cutting of intricate contours and shapes, making it perfect for crafting detailed and complex profiles. Additionally, certain waterjet cutting machines are equipped with a 3-D machining head, which significantly broadens the scope for precision cutting.

Versatility

One of the biggest advantages of waterjet cuttingis its capability to cut a wide array of materials. Waterjet systems have the remarkable ability to effortlessly carve through a diverse range of materials such as copper, brass, aluminum, steel, titanium, glass, ceramic, quartz, stone, reinforced plastics, alloys, concrete, rubber and more! Investing in a single waterjet system can significantly enhance your metal fabrication shop's versatility, enabling you to handle a diverse range of materials with ease. Furthermore, these systems are adept at cutting materials of varying thicknesses. For instance, at Machitech Automation, our advanced waterjets can efficiently cut materials up to 4 inches thick, providing unparalleled flexibility and precision for your cutting needs.

Environment 

Waterjet cutting operates without the need for high temperatures, thereby preventing the release of harmful airborne particles. This not only minimizes the health risks for operators but also reduces the environmental impact of the cutting process. The absence of heat and harmful emissions contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable operation, aligning with modern industry standards and regulations for workplace safety and environmental responsibility. 

Limitations of Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet cutting is generally employed to penetrate entirely through the material, rather than making partial cuts to a specified depth. Known as a blind cut, attempting to achieve partial depth with a waterjet can often result in imprecise and unreliable results. Additionally, while a single cutting head on a waterjet system might lag behind other metal fabrication equipment in terms of speed, this limitation can be easily overcome. By outfitting the machine with multiple cutting heads, all powered by a single intensifier pump, production efficiency can be significantly accelerated.

Machitech custom waterjet cutting systems

Machitech provides tailored cutting solutions to accommodate businesses of every size and sector. Our bespoke waterjet cutters are engineered for precise slicing of all non-ferrous materials. We offer customizable, cutting-edge solutions to meet any production requirement. Plus, with the advantage of requiring only one operator, our machines can substantially lower your production expenses.

Ready to explore how our waterjet cutting systems can enhance your business? Reach out to Machitech today to arrange a complimentary consultation with one of our team members.