A water jet cutter is a tool capable of slicing into metal or other materials using a jet of water at high velocity and pressure, or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance.
It has found applications in a diverse number of industries from mining to aerospace where it is used for operations such as cutting, shaping, carving, and reaming.
Applications for water jet machining
Abrasive water jets are ideally suited for heavy gage and tough applications such as titanium, inconel, brass, tool steel, glass, stone or composites, but the most commonly cut materials include aluminum and steel.
Abrasive water jets cut material from 1/16 inch to 8 inches thick, in high or low volume. Typical part tolerances range from between 0.003 and 0.005 of an inch, although 0.001 of an inch can be achieved as well.
How does a water jet work?
The Incodema Flow water jet features the state of the art dynamic head. The dynamic head changes the water stream to make vertical edge by taking in to account the spreading effect of the jet. The jet itself is a combination of water and garnet.
The cutting action of the water jet is a result of the abrasive garnet being propelled to very high velocity coming into contact with the material being cut. Incodema uses the highest quality garnet to insure the most accurate and cleanest cutting.
Water Jet Cutting at a Glance:
- Material thickness up to 8”
- Approximately 30% more expensive than laser cutting but can be used for a wider array of materials
- Dynamic Head eliminates taper from water jet spreading
- High precision cutting abilities
- Tolerance +/-.005 ($$$$) +/-.015 ($$)
- Setup/programming cost minimal
- Delivery: Fast, 1 day to 1 week