Frequently Asked Questions Regarding our Waterjet Cutting Services

How does waterjet cutting work?
There are two main steps involved in the waterjet cutting process. First, the ultra-high pressure pump or intensifier pressurizes water to pressure levels above 40,000 psi (2760 bar); to produce the energy required for cutting. Second, water is then focused through a small precious stone orifice to form an intense cutting stream. The stream moves at a velocity of up to 2.5 times the speed of sound, depending on how the water pressure is exerted. The process is applicable to both water and water abrasive jets. For abrasive cutting applications, abrasive garnet is fed into the abrasive mixing chamber, which is part of the cutting head body, to produce a coherent and an extremely energetic abrasive jet stream.

How fast can a waterjet cut and how does it hold accuracy?
Cutting speed is determined by several variable factors, including the edge quality desired. Variables such as amount of abrasive used, cutting pressure, size of orifice and focus tube, pump horsepower, and etc. which can be adjusted to produce the desired results, whether your priority is speed or the finest cut. Speed and accuracy also depend on material texture, material thickness, and the cut quality desired. In case of rubber and gasket cutting, our waterjet motion capabilities would allow traversing at 0.1 to 200 linear inches per minute.

How thick can a waterjet cut?
This can range anywhere from a .010" up to 12" thick. It varies with the softness or hardness of the material being cut. Hard materials are normally cut from .001" up to 6" thick. Sometimes even thicker material can be cut, but as always it depends on the finish desired. For all materials, adjustments can usually be made to produce what our customer requires.

What is unique about waterjet compared to other cutting technologies?
Waterjet allows tremendous flexibility and versatility in manufacturing and provides for more cutting possibilities. Simply put, waterjet is by far, the most flexible technology in our business and delivers results with amazing reliability. Here are a few examples that set waterjet technology apart from the rest: Due to water's cold nature, the material cut does not show heat-affected zones. Environmentally friendly, in that debris is removed by water reducing hazardous gases. Cuts fragile materials like marble and stone. Cuts plastics without giving off noxious fumes. Has the ability to perforate most materials without start holes. Saves raw materials due to small cutting kerf width. Cuts composite materials without any special treatment.

What kinds of materials can be cut with a waterjet?
A waterjet can cut both hard and soft materials. Soft materials are cut with water only, while hard materials require a stream of water mixed with fine grains of abrasive garnet. Materials including, titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, exotic alloys, composites, stone, marble, floor tile, glass, automotive headliners and door panels, gasket, foam, rubber, insulation, textile, and many more.

Will waterjet cut any material? What are its limitations?
There are some types of materials that are typically not good for the Waterjet Applications. Depending on the end use, wood is often a poor application, due to its fibers' absorption of water, which causes them to splay and become rough. Many fabrics do not cut well, as the fibers "squirm" out from under the cutting stream, rather than remain in place during the cutting process. A few materials require the waterjet to cut through one layer, cross a void, then cut through another layer does not produce desirable results. The cutting stream does not remain cohesive after cutting through the upper layer, causing a poor edge quality on the next layer(s).

What types of materials can be cut with your waterjet cutting system?
The waterjet can machine any known materials including composite, laminates, plastics, rubbers, castings, forging, aluminum, stainless steels, titanium, hardened or tool steel, exotic alloys, heat sensitive materials, synthetics that may release harmful vapors when cut using other methods and most assuredly any future materials that technology could require and produce. The machines do this all without affecting the material properties or the temper.

How intricate can my design be?
A kerf (thickness of a cut) of as little as 0.010 inches and cut accuracy of ±0.005 inches enables waterjet cutting systems to cut extremely intricate designs accurately and with little or no filing or finishing. Pieces to be cut can even be stacked directly on top of one another to reduce waste. Computer controlled cut paths ensure that intricate designs can be replicated easily and reliably.

Will waterjet cut my material and what are its limitations?
The following list describes the types of materials that are typically not good applications. Wood is often a poor application, due to its fibers' absorption of water, which causes them to splay and become rough. Many fabrics do not cut well, as the fibers "squirm" out from under the cutting stream, rather than remain in place during the cutting process. However, the most common application that is incompatible with waterjet is pipe. Any material requiring the waterjet to cut through one layer, cross a void, then cut through another layer does not produce desirable results. The cutting stream does not remain cohesive after cutting through the upper layer, causing a poor edge quality on the next layer.

How thick can your waterjet cut?
It varies with the softness or hardness of the material being cut. This can range anywhere from a 1/4 inch up to 30 inches thick. Hard materials are normally cut within a 1/4 to 2.5 inch-range.

Can the waterjet cut detailed marble inlays for my architectural project?
Whatever design you can conceive, the waterjet can cut. It's that simple. Cutting marble, granite, tile, Corian, ornamental irons, brass, or intricate patterns in brushed or polished stainless steel - whatever the material, you will be impressed.

Since waterjet cutting is the best way to cut, is it also outrageously expensive?
You'd be surprised how affordable you'll find New England Waterjet Cutting. The final cost of the job will depend upon the intricacy of the cuts, the number of cuts, the material and turnaround time. Call us for a free estimate!

What are the advantages over plasma and laser cutting systems?
Speed: Waterjet cutting can be faster than many conventional methods. Materials which can be cut include heavy marble, as thick as five inches and one inch plate glass. Heat/Distortion: Waterjets produce no heat. This means that your material does not distort or become ragged at the edges and the integrity of the material is maintained throughout. Waterjet cutting also produces a smoother cut and a narrower kerf, meaning less waste Environment: Waterjet cutting systems produce no environmentally unsafe by-products. Water and abrasives are captured in a receiving tank and recycled. Materials: A waterjet system is the ideal cutting solution for many materials. Titanium, brass, aluminum, and stainless steel are only a few examples of the wide range of materials that a water-jet system can cut. Accuracy & Repeatability: Waterjet cutting enables repeatable cuts with accuracy as close as ±0.005 in. Material Thickness: Here the capabilities of waterjet cutting far outperform other cutting systems. Imagine a slab of marble 5 inches thick, or stainless steel 3 inches thick.

What about the waste product that waterjet cutting leaves behind, and is it safe, and how is it disposed of?
The waste products are Abrasive, cut material, and dirty water. Typically solid waste product is Garnet abrasive, mixed small amounts of whatever has been cut. It can usually be disposed of in land fill. If toxic materials such as lead are machined then they must be disposed of as hazardous material. The water is typically treated as "Gray water" which can be recycled, or sent directly to the sewer. If cutting something toxic, there may be a need to filter water, and recycle or dispose of it in special circumstances.

Is your equipment portable?
Our waterjet system is designed for use in our shop. Suitable water, power, abrasive inlets and the size and weight of the machines themselves prevent us from making "house calls". However, we are conveniently located in Kent WA

Why don't you see systems higher than 55,000 PSI?
There have been many pumps developed that can put out pressures higher than 55,000 PSI, but it is not practical to run them at beyond 55K except for maybe in the testing laboratory. All the high pressure fittings and plumbing fatigue and fail quickly at higher pressures. Because of this, most manufacturers of pumps purposefully limit them to under 55,000 PSI.