Waterjet Cutting Design Guide
It can be a useful option for selected thick sections, material-sensitive applications and complex flat profiles where thermal cutting effects need to be minimized.
Get the Guide With Your QuoteWaterjet Cutting Services
BoValley can evaluate waterjet cutting for custom parts that require profile cutting with minimal thermal influence on the material. Abrasive waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure water stream with abrasive media to cut suitable metals and other materials.
Project Review
- Flat Pattern Review
- Sheet Grade and Thickness
- Finish and Edge Requirements
- Inspection Planning
- Part Geometry
- Custom flat profiles
- Cut Planning
- Edge & thickness review
- Stock Type
- Metals and selected other stock
Overview
What is Waterjet Cutting?
Abrasive waterjet cutting directs a high-pressure water jet mixed with abrasive particles through the material along a programmed path.
Because it does not rely on a conventional heat-based cutting process, it can help avoid a heat-affected zone associated with thermal cutting. This can be important for selected materials or parts sensitive to heat-related changes.
Cutting speed, edge taper, dimensional accuracy and surface quality depend on material thickness, abrasive settings, nozzle condition and geometry.
Waterjet Cutting Capabilities
Review stock thickness, cut profile, edge taper and cleanup requirements. Flag any feature that needs finish machining after waterjet cutting.
Abrasive & Pure Waterjet Cutting
- Cut metals and selected non-metallic materials with suitable processes.
- Evaluate material thickness and edge requirements for each project.
- Produce custom profiles and cutouts to drawing specifications.
- Manage kerf, taper, and finishing requirements for consistent results.
Multi-Material Cutting
- Cut metals and selected non-metallic materials with suitable processes.
- Evaluate material thickness and edge requirements for each project.
- Produce custom profiles and cutouts to drawing specifications.
- Manage kerf, taper, and finishing requirements for consistent results.
Thick Material Cutting
- Cut metals and selected non-metallic materials with suitable processes.
- Evaluate material thickness and edge requirements for each project.
- Produce custom profiles and cutouts to drawing specifications.
- Manage kerf, taper, and finishing requirements for consistent results.
Complex Profile Cutting
- Cut metals and selected non-metallic materials with suitable processes.
- Evaluate material thickness and edge requirements for each project.
- Produce custom profiles and cutouts to drawing specifications.
- Manage kerf, taper, and finishing requirements for consistent results.
Custom Tolerance Control
- Cut metals and selected non-metallic materials with suitable processes.
- Evaluate material thickness and edge requirements for each project.
- Produce custom profiles and cutouts to drawing specifications.
- Manage kerf, taper, and finishing requirements for consistent results.
Flexible Production Volumes
- Cut metals and selected non-metallic materials with suitable processes.
- Evaluate material thickness and edge requirements for each project.
- Produce custom profiles and cutouts to drawing specifications.
- Manage kerf, taper, and finishing requirements for consistent results.
MaterialsMaterials
Waterjet Cutting Materials
Confirm material grade, stock thickness, and acceptable edge condition. Waterjet feasibility also depends on geometry, taper requirements, and part handling.
- Aluminum Alloys
- Stainless Steel
- Carbon Steel
- Titanium Alloys
- Brass & Copper Alloys
- Stock thickness
- Edge taper
- Pierce position
- Abrasive and surface cleanup
- Sheet grade and temper
- Corrosion exposure
- Surface appearance
- Formability
- Galvanic compatibility
- Part stiffness
- Visible face protection
- Coating adhesion
- Deburring
- Edge condition
- Hardware compatibility
- Fastener material
- Weldability
- Finish thickness
- Cleaning requirements
Surface Finish Options
Waterjet Cutting vs. Laser Cutting
| Comparison Item | Waterjet Cutting | Laser Cutting |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Effect | Minimal, non-thermal cutting process | Potential for heat-affected zone |
| Common Advantages | Suitable for specific thick plates and heat-sensitive materials | Suitable for high-efficiency flat sheet metal cutting |
| Material Range | Metals and some non-metallic materials, depending on equipment | Depends on laser type and material |
| Cost Factors | Cutting time, material, thickness, abrasive consumption | Material, thickness, cutting length, number of piercings |
| Best Choice | Determined by material and heat effect requirements | Determined by material, geometry, and efficiency requirements |
The Process
How Does Waterjet Cutting Work?
Start with the material, thickness, and cut profile. An abrasive waterjet follows the programmed path. Check edge condition, taper, and dimensions, then plan any deburring or finish machining.
The advantages
- Minimal Thermal Influence:• Helps avoid a heat-affected zone from thermal cutting.
- Thick-Section Cutting• Can be considered for suitable thicker plate and profile-cutting projects.
- Complex Flat Profiles• Supports varied outlines and cutout geometries.
The challenges
- Material-Sensitive Applications:• Useful when thermal effects are a concern for the selected material.
- Broad Material Potential:• Can process suitable metals and selected non-metallic materials.
QualityApplications for Waterjet Cutting
The examples below show where this process may fit. Material, geometry, and the intended use determine the right approach for each part.
Thick Plate Components
Custom profiles in suitable plate materials.
Heat-Sensitive Parts
Applications where thermal effects need to be minimized.
Custom Metal Profiles
Complex flat patterns and cutouts.
Selected Composite Materials
Subject to material composition and process suitability.
Material-Sensitive Parts
Suitable custom profiles where minimizing thermal influence is a priority.
Architectural Metalwork
Cut selected decorative panels and profiles with limited heat input.
| Types of Parts | Function |
|---|---|
| Thick mounting plates | Cut selected stock profiles with limited thermal influence. |
| Gasket and flange blanks | Create custom profiles for later finishing or machining. |
| Heat-sensitive profiles | Evaluate a cold-cutting route when thermal changes are a concern. |
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