What materials can a waterjet cut?

What materials can a waterjet cut?

The information below explains some of the cutting techniques we've used when cutting these materials. We recognize that there are many materials not listed so if you have a specific question about your material feel free to contact us at (330) 677-9100.

Alloys

Inconel, Hastalloy, Waspalloy, Titanium, Aluminum, Stainless etc. No heat effected zone or change in the molecular structure occurs in the alloy material. There is no distortion as seen with typical heat cutting methods. Generally, cutting with waterjet costs less than traditional machining or cutting methods. In many cases, no secondary removal of slag or damaged material is necessary, and minimal to no burring is seen.

Steels

Inconel, Hastalloy, Waspalloy, Titanium, Aluminum, Stainless etc. No heat effected zone or change in the molecular structure occurs in the alloy material. There is no distortion as seen with typical heat cutting methods. Generally, cutting with waterjet costs less than traditional machining or cutting methods. In many cases, no secondary removal of slag or damaged material is necessary, and minimal to no burring is seen.

Laminates

Waterjet, in most cases, does not see any difference between laminated materials - e.g. acrylic, aluminum, stainless and honeycomb section all laminated as one. Many aircraft parts consist of laminated materials where waterjet is the only solution.

Composites

Many composites are very difficult to machine as the cutting tool tips 'gum' up and quickly becomes inefficient. Waterjet has no gumming at all and can leave a good clean surface requiring no additional work.

Plastics/Acrylics

It is possible to not only cut these materials effortlessly, but also drill start holes using specialized low-pressure options available with certain systems.

Rubber

Depending on the durometer value, rubber can be cut with water only or with abrasive. Tests will quickly reveal what the best option is for your application.

Gaskets

By using waterjet for cutting gaskets, it is possible to automatically nest various sized and shaped gaskets on one sheet effortlessly. There is no longer any need for stacks of dies. Software will keep track of all remnant sheets allowing off cuts to be put back into inventory and used for smaller parts. Specialized software is available to track materials through the entire process.

Fiberglass

When cutting materials that are typically associated with hazardous fine airborne materials, waterjet is an ideal solution. Particles and materials removed are transported by the water away from the surface into the tank, reducing this risk and hazard.

Glass

Intricate cutting and shaping of glass is easy with waterjet. The waterjet can generally drill all its own start holes, making it a highly versatile tool. Glass from 1/32" to 10" thick can be cut, even when laminated in multiple layers.

Waterjet in Any Industry

The versatility of the waterjet allows it to be used in nearly every industry. There are many different materials that the waterjet can cut. Some of them have unique characteristics that require special attention when cutting. As you can see in the chart below each material you cut will have some unique characteristics that have to be taken into account.