5 Reasons To Consider High-Precision Waterjet Cutting Services
There’s a common assumption out there that waterjet cutting has a limited ability to create intricate details. While that may be true of standard waterjet cutting services, high-precision waterjet cutting is a whole different story. This technique combines the benefits of standard waterjet cutting (e.g., low expenses and minimal post-processing) with improved precision.
At our machine shop in Georgia, customers are occasionally surprised to learn that we used high-precision waterjet cutting to make their parts. But this capability comes in handy for many projects.
What Is High-Precision Waterjet Cutting?
High-precision waterjet cutting works essentially the same way as standard waterjet cutting, combining a powerful stream of water with garnet abrasives to cut through materials. However, here are 4 key factors that set it apart:
Taper compensation. During high-precision waterjet cutting, we add a piece of hardware on the side of the waterjet's nozzle that can correct the .005”-.010” taper inherent on all waterjets. This attachment allows the waterjet to create a square cut, which can be important for machining certain parts.
Sharper garnet. The garnet abrasive added to the waterjet stream aids in the erosion process. We use sharper garnet for high-precision waterjet cutting, resulting in better and more expansive cuts and ultimately improving accuracy and surface finish.
Camera and laser capability. We have the option of attaching an overhead camera to the waterjet head and using vision technology to calibrate the machine when necessary. Additionally, we may use a laser to more precisely align the stream with part edges.
Needle-like precision. Precision waterjet cutting often uses a .010" diameter nozzle, which refines the stream significantly more than the typical .031" diameter nozzle used for standard waterjet cutting services. The thinner nozzle allows us to achieve intricate cuts and fine details. We've even used this nozzle without a garnet abrasive for “water-only” medical applications requiring a high degree of precision, such as medical gaskets made from ⅛" rubber.
5 Reasons to Consider High-Precision Waterjet Cutting Services
High-precision waterjet cutting is incredibly versatile and could very well be the best option for your application. Here are 5 reasons why it might be a good fit:
Material compatibility. We can adjust the abrasiveness of the waterjet stream by adding different types of garnet—or none at all—to suit various materials. We often waterjet cut steel, various plastics, titanium, Inconel, copper, brass, and rubber at our machine shop in Georgia.
Part complexity. With a nozzle diameter measuring .010", we can achieve a kerf as narrow as .010". The thinner kerf allows us to cut intricate shapes on both flexible and rigid materials.
No heat affected zone. Because waterjet cutting doesn't generate heat, it’s ideal for heat-sensitive materials, minimizing the risk of thermal distortion and discoloration. With no risk of heat-hardened edges, any subsequent machining operations are much easier than they would be following a heat-generating process like laser cutting or plasma cutting.
Part thickness. Leveraging high-precision waterjet cutting services, we can easily cut parts up to 6" thick.
Cost-effectiveness. High-precision waterjet cutting can be less expensive than CNC machining services for certain types of parts. Waterjet cutting requires minimal setup and can make cuts in just a few minutes, whereas CNC machining has a lengthier programming and setup process that can add cost to a project.
At Arbiser Machine, we’re always happy to guide our customers to the right capabilities for their specific needs. High-precision waterjet cutting is a reliable and low-cost process for parts requiring a higher degree of precision than standard waterjet cutting. Request a quote today to take advantage of this capability!