News
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How does waterjet cut foam, rubber, or gasket materials without wetting damage?
Waterjet cutting is highly effective for foam, rubber, and gasket materials, and contrary to intuition, these materials typically emerge dry or nearly dry despite direct exposure to a high-pressure water stream. This is achieved through a combination of machine design parameters, material behavior, and cutting strategy.Read more -
What is the practical cutting speed for 1/2-inch mild steel at 60,000 psi?
For 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) mild steel cut with an abrasive waterjet at 60,000 psi, the practical cutting speed typically falls between 5 and 12 inches per minute (IPM). This range represents the balance between achievable cut quality and production efficiency under standard industrial conditions.Read more -
Can I cut glass, ceramic, or laminated safety glass without cracking it?
Plain glass (window glass, bottle glass): Yes (with a glass cutter & oil).Read more -
What taper compensation methods exist, and when do I need dynamic waterjet (DWJ)?
Taper is the unavoidable V-shape of a waterjet cut. The top of the kerf is wider than the bottom because the jet slows down and loses energy as it cuts through thickness. For thin materials, taper is negligible. For thick materials, taper can ruin part accuracy, especially for press-fit holes, mating edges, or stackable parts. Several compensation methods exist, ranging from free software adjustmeRead more -
How accurate is waterjet cutting for parts with tight tolerances (±0.001” or better)?
Achieving ±0.001" (±0.025 mm) or better with waterjet cutting is possible but requires ideal conditions, premium equipment, and careful process control. In typical production environments, most waterjet systems hold ±0.003" to ±0.005" (±0.076–0.127 mm). Stating "±0.001" as a routine capability would be misleading for most shops. Here is a realistic breakdown of what waterjet can and cannot deliverRead more -
Can waterjet cut layered materials or composites without delamination?
Yes, waterjet cutting is generally the best available technology for cutting layered materials and composites without causing delamination. Unlike laser, plasma, or mechanical sawing, waterjet introduces no significant heat and applies very low mechanical force, both of which are primary causes of layer separation. However, success depends on proper machine setup and understanding the limitatRead more
