Waterjet Cutting FAQs

Waterjet Cutting Tools FAQs

Water Jets generate a high-pressure stream of water mixed with a granular abrasive to cut steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals.

How does a Water Jet Work?

• High Pressure Pumps generate a stream of pressurized water
• The stream of water is mixed with a granular abrasive
• The stream is focused through a small-diameter orifice in a cutting head
• The high-speed stream traveling at very high speed acts like a knife
• A computer moves the cutting head to direct the stream where to cut

What can a Water Jet Cut?

• Stainless, Hardened and Carbon Steel
• Aluminim and Aluminum Alloys
• Copper and Brass
• Glass and Glass-reinforced Plastics

Water Jets Compared to Other Cutting Systems

• Less Accurate than Laser but More Accurate than Plasma Cutters
• Up to 3" thick material versus 1/4" for Laser and 1"+ for Laser
• No Material Distortion unlike Laser and Plasma Cutting
• Cold cutting process versus Laser and Plasma which are Thermal Cutters