Sometimes it takes us a while to find the right tool for the job. Then again, sometimes we don’t know just how useful certain tools are for certain jobs until we hear about them from a trusted source or until we try them out. A waterjet cutting machine is one such tool. Here’s what you need to know about a waterjet machine and how the waterjet cutting process works. You’ll also learn just how advantageous it is to have a waterjet cutting machine around! 

What Is Waterjet Cutting?

First thing’s first, what is waterjet cutting anyway? Waterjet cutting is a method in which a waterjet cutting machine uses pressurized water and an abrasive to cut into your material, any material really. These machines are capable of providing clean, precise cuts through any material including incredibly hard materials with no change to the setup of the machine. That flexibility is what makes them so popular in fab shops. 

Types of Waterjet Cutting

A straight waterjet cutting (water only) machine uses a pressurized stream of water to cut through materials. Keep in mind, however, standard waterjet cutting machines, while powerful and precise, are best suited for soft materials that yield easily. You can use a straight water cutting machine to cut through things like tissue paper, diapers, and fabrics. As long as you use a material that yields easily to a blade or knife it will produce a remarkable clean cut. 

If you’re using harder materials like Aluminum, Steel, Hard Plastics, Stone or any other hard materials, you’re going to need an abrasive waterjet cutting machine as opposed to a straight water waterjet cutting machine. Abrasive waterjet cutting machines are comparatively much more powerful yet just as precise. An abrasive waterjet machine works by adding in abrasive particles to the jet stream just after the stream leaves the orifice. This abrasive jet stream will erode and break down incredibly hard materials as it literally grinds its way through. 

When You Need a Waterjet Cutter

Whether you work with hard or soft materials, your shop will need a waterjet cutter if precision is of any importance to you or your customers and flexibility is important to your operations. Waterjet cutters are so incredibly precise, they should be the weapon of choice for any fab job that requires both great accuracy and precision. Easily holding tolerances of +/- 1/64” over the travel of the machine and small part tolerances of +/- 0.005”.

Benefits of Waterjet Cutting

There are many benefits to waterjet cutting machines, both of the straight water and abrasive variety. Between straight water and abrasive waterjet cutters, you can cut through just about anything including materials like metals, plastics, glass, stone or rock, rubber, and ceramics. The flexibility alone makes these systems a must have for any fab shop allowing for quick setup and cutting of all materials and thicknesses including prototypes and production providing the benefit of superior precision and flexibility. 

If you have a fab shop, there’s no reason not to have a waterjet cutting machine!

Essentials to Look for When Shopping for Waterjet Cutting Machines

  • Size: First you will need to decide on the size machine best suited for you. Although many shops think all they need is a small 2’ X 4’ machine or 4’ X 4’ machine the reality is a 5’ X 10’ or 6’ 12’ machine can be purchased for almost the same dollars and they provide much more capability in part size and in material handling then the smaller units. 
  • Horsepower: The next factor you will need to decide is how much pump horsepower you can get away with knowing that the more HP you can run the lower your operating costs will be and the faster your parts will be cut. 
  • Pressure: Many newer waterjet users get sold on the idea of Ultra High Pressures in the 90KPSI range and up. While these pressures do indeed cut faster they come at a very high maintenance cost. Most users are very well suited for the reliable pressures at 55-60KPSI  where there is less component failure and maintenance intervals are greatly reduced.
  • 5-Axis: In a recent Waterjet Users forum on Facebook there was a great discussion about tilting head technologies and whether or not they were worth it. The comments ranged form “A five axis machine comes with a free Psychiatric hospital entry ticket because that’s where your operator will end up” to “We have Flow XD Cutting Head, we rarely use 3D but its good to have when needed.” In the end your application should REQUIRE a 5 Axis head and not just for taper compensation. If you don't need it, skip it, as your waterjet still will cut great and accurate parts without it AND skipping this feature will make your setup and operation much easier.
  • Condition: One of the most essential things to look for when shopping for a used waterjet cutter is the condition of it. If you’re buying a used waterjet cutter you can save some money, however, you’ll need to ensure that it’s in good condition, otherwise you’ll lose a lot more money than you could have saved. Buying used can actually be quite savvy, saving tens of thousands while getting the capability a brand new system would offer for much more.  

Browse Our Wide Inventory of Waterjet Cutting Machines Today!

Ready to supercharger your fab shop and watch your productivity shoot through the roof? Good! Then you’re ready to check out our selection at Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales. We carry a wide selection of fine equipment including waterjet cutting machines both used and new. 

You’d be surprised to see the things you can do with superior equipment, shop today and experience the difference! 

Buy your waterjet cutting machine from Southern Fabricating and Machinery and revolutionize your fab shop today!

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