Dr. Norman Franz discovered waterjet cutting in the 1950's when he was seeking an alternative method to cut lumber. Since the inception of this cutting method, not only has it been used to help forestry engineers cut lumber from large trees but has helped in the metal industry.
A waterjet works to cut or clean materials by using a high-pressure stream of water. The cutter itself can be connected to a water pump that ejects high-pressure water from a nozzle thus cutting the material with high-speed water. Abrasives may also be added to help in cutting specific materials.
There are several different advantages to using water when cutting stainless steel or aluminum.
1. The Power of Waterjets. Many don't understand the capability of waterjets, they have the ability to cut through 10 in aluminum sheets and eight-inch stainless steel sheets. Read more about machining at this website http://www.dictionary.com/browse/machine.
2. Using waterjets doesn't mean heat is required. The preferred method for cutting materials that are sensitive to heat, water jet cutting equipment doesn't generate heat thus making it the best method for cutting. Waterjet cutting has a no heat-affected zone (HAZ) that prevents alterations and damage to the surface of the materials being cut.
3. The waterjet cutting services is considered to be one of the most effective methods in relation to precision when cutting. Waterjets are extremely precise and have the ability to have 0.005" of accuracy when cutting. Next to having an extremely high level of precision, the waterjets also produce a burr-free finish. The waterjets eliminate the need for a secondary surface finishing process and allows for expenses to be spared.
4.Waterjets are an extremely fast and efficient process for cutting projects There isn't much labor needed to use the waterjet. Waterjets have the fastest cutting time out of all the different ways for cutting materials. The waterjets are so precise that re-cutting is avoided.
5. The cutting process is environmentally sound Waterjet cutting is one of the only environmentally sound process. No hazardous waste is produce during the process of cutting materials. Considering the large pieces of recyclable scrap metal or material can be cut, the waterjets prevent waste that occurs when using other cutting methods.
There are several environmental advantages when choosing waterjets to cut your materials. Not a lot of water is necessary to use the waterjet. Almost one half to one gallon of water will be used per minute, depending on the cutting head orifice size. The water that is use can be recycled by using a closed-looped system. The waste water can be disposed of through a drain upon being recycled.
7. A safer work environment is created. Airborne dust, smoke, fumes, and contaminants are avoided through the use of waterjet cutting. This greatly improves the work environment and reduces problems arising from the machine operator's exposure.