Learn more about water jet cutting
Water jet-cutting services offer significant value and benefits to a wide range of industries and applications. Water jet cutting is a highly precise and versatile cutting method that uses a high-pressure jet of water, sometimes mixed with abrasive particles, to cut through a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, and composites. Here are some of the key benefits of water jet-cutting services:
- Precision: Water jet cutting is incredibly precise, with very small tolerances. This precision allows for intricate shapes and patterns to be cut with ease, making water jet cutting ideal for applications where accuracy is crucial.
- Versatility: Water jet cutting can cut through a wide range of materials and thicknesses, making it a highly versatile cutting method. It can even cut through materials that are difficult or impossible to cut using other methods, such as tempered glass or heat-sensitive materials.
- Speed: Water jet cutting is a fast-cutting method. This speed allows for efficient production and quick turnaround times for projects.
- Clean and Environmentally Friendly: Water jet cutting is a clean-cutting method that produces minimal waste and does not generate heat, dust, or hazardous fumes. This makes it an environmentally friendly cutting method that is safe for workers and the environment.
- Cost-Effective: Water jet cutting services are cost-effective, as they require minimal tooling and setup costs, and can be used for small or large production runs. It also reduces material waste and rework, resulting in a reduction of overheads.
Why is water jet cutting the best option for stainless steel?
Water jet cutting is an ideal solution for cutting stainless steel for a number of reasons.
No Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)
With water jet cutting, no heat is generated, unlike some other traditional methods. With no HAZ you can rest assured the cutting itself will be more precise.
Greater Flexibility
Waterjets can be cut through stainless steel regardless of how hard or thick the sheet is. Thanks to its toughness and high level of resilience, it’s the best option for steel applications.
Clean and Smooth
The exceptional level of cutting precision allows you to achieve unparalleled clean and smooth edges on your stainless steel.
Zero Contamination
Water jet cutting only uses water and a non-chemical abrasive material, such as garnet. There are no contaminants involved so you will have peace of mind that your cutting will be environmentally clean.
Minimal Waste
The preciseness of the cutting coupled with the lack of chemical contaminants means that you can reuse a single sheet of stainless steel and minimise the amount of material waste produced.
What’s the difference between water jet cutting vs laser cutting?
Both water jet cutting and laser cutting are used for precise shaping and reforming of hard materials.
However, there is a key difference between the two:
Water jet cutting – this type of cutting leverages a jet of water mixed with a hard abrasive to erode the material and produce the cut.
Laser cutting – this type of cutting relies on a laser beam of high-level and focused lasers to melt/vaporise the material.
What is Bevelling?
Bevelling is the process of cutting an angled edge into a pre-existing material. The cutting can be done at various predetermined angles.
Most commonly, bevelling is applied to:
- Prepare metals for welding.
- Achieve a desired aesthetic.
- Reduce a material’s weight.
- Create a sloped edge along the length of the material i.e., chamfering.
What is Chamfering?
Chamfering is a type of bevelling that creates edges along the end of a material at a 45-degree angle. This creates a more flat and more angled surface.
Common applications include:
- Deburring sharp edges and burrs from materials.
- Ensuring materials can be easily used in assembly.
- Improve the aesthetic or safety of a piece of material.
What is Contour cutting?
Contouring cutting refers to the cutting of a material along a predefined line to create a shape, intricate design or specific type of cut.
Common applications of contour cutting include:
- Creating custom designs for signage or other graphics.
- Creating prototypes of new products during development.
- Creating custom packaging materials.
- Creating delicate or irregularly shaped products.
- Creating custom foam shapes specially used in interior automotive components.
FIND OUT MORE
Interested in finding out more about our custom waterjet cutting services? Our friendly team of specialists are always ready and willing to help answer your questions, provide you with a no-obligation quote and find the perfect industrial cutting solution for you. Give us a call today on 07 3737 2400.
