CNC WaterJet Cutting Services & Custom Waterjet Cutting
Using a hyper-pressured stream of water & abrasives, waterjet cutting can tackle the most intense cutting jobs. Using high-intensity, extreme-pressurized hydro technology, waterjet cutting offers a precision method for cutting parts from thick, dense, and tough materials. Waterjet machines can cut multi-inch thick slabs of rubber, wood, and even steel in a smooth and accurate manner. The impact and energy of the water stream yield parts that meet even the toughest of specifications.
Introduction to Waterjet Cutting
The use of intense water pressure as a cutting process in manufacturing goes back over 100 years, with modern waterjet machines coming around in the 20th century. Waterjet cutting serves as a viable alternative for cutting materials that are too thick or tough to reasonably die cut or CNC cut. While methods like plasma and laser cutting exist, their intense processes can be problematic for materials like rubber and plastic that may not offer high melt points.
How Does Waterjet Cutting Work?
Much like CNC Flash Cut jobs, Waterjet machines use CAD (Computer Aided Design) files. These files are programmed using vectorized files like DXF or DWG – often provided by our clients. However, our dedicated drafting team can create a DWG or DXF file from your PDF file, description, or even an actual part. These files tell the waterjet where to cut. A high-pressure stream of water flows through a nozzle at such a high speed, slabs of steel can perforate leaving a smooth, clean cut behind.
What Makes Waterjet Cutting Ideal for My Project?
Hard plastics like polycarbonate and HDPE or thick rubber materials are often impossible to die or CNC cut effectively. With precision tolerances and smooth cuts, waterjet cutting tackles these tough materials with ease. Waterjet cutting leaves minimal to no burring and smooth edges.
Pros & Cons of Waterjet Cutting
| PROS | CONS |
| VERSATILITY: Waterjet cutters can cut pretty much any material under the sun – from rubber and plastic to steel and stone. | SPEED: Waterjet cutting is often the slowest method of creating parts. Tough jobs take time and waterjet cutters are the picture of tough. |
| ACCURACY: Computer-Aided technology allows waterjet cutting to create parts with tolerances often under +/- .01”. | ECONOMICS: Waterjet cutting is more expensive than CNC or die cutting. Many people mistakenly have parts waterjet cut that could be cut by more economical or expedient means. |
If you have a project that needs waterjet cutting our team is ready to help. If you are currently having a part waterjet and looking for a better process, put our decades of experience to the test!
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