Waterjet cutting has become a go-to technology for precise material cutting across industries, thanks to its versatility, accuracy, and ability to work with a wide range of materials. Unlike traditional cutting methods, waterjet cutting uses high-pressure water, often mixed with an abrasive, to cut through materials without generating heat that could distort or weaken them.
Here are seven materials waterjet cutting can handle.
7 Materials You Didn’t Know Waterjet Cutting Can Handle
1. Metals
Metals are one of the most common materials used with waterjet cutting due to the method’s ability to handle thick, dense substances. This technology ensures precise cuts without heat-affected zones, which is critical for metals that may warp under high temperatures.
Metals That Can be Cut with Waterjet Technology
- Steel: Waterjet cutting is widely used for cutting steel, as it provides smooth edges and maintains the metal’s structural integrity. The technology is especially useful for high-carbon or hardened steels, which can be challenging to cut with traditional methods.
- Aluminum: Due to its softness and low melting point, aluminum often deforms under heat, making waterjet cutting an ideal solution. Waterjet cutting can handle thick sheets of aluminum, providing clean edges without melting or warping.
- Titanium: Titanium, known for its strength and lightweight properties, is commonly used in aerospace and medical industries. Waterjet cutting can precisely cut titanium without compromising its properties, making it suitable for complex parts.
2. Stone and Ceramics
Stone and ceramic materials, known for their hardness and brittleness, are also well-suited to waterjet cutting. Traditional cutting tools can cause cracking or chipping, but waterjet cutting’s non-thermal method avoids these issues, delivering clean cuts without damaging the material. This makes waterjet cutting a popular choice in the construction and interior design industries.
Stones and Ceramics That Can be Cut with Waterjet Technology
- Marble: Marble is a delicate, high-end material often used for flooring and countertops, where precision is key. Waterjet cutting allows for intricate designs and custom shapes in marble without the risk of cracking.
- Granite: Granite is a hard, durable stone commonly used in construction and architecture. Waterjet cutting can slice through thick granite slabs, providing smooth, precise cuts for countertops, tiles, and other structural applications.
- Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles, used in both residential and commercial spaces, require precise cutting for accurate fitting and aesthetic appeal. Waterjet cutting provides clean, crack-free cuts in ceramic tiles, even for intricate designs and custom patterns.
3. Glass
Glass is another material that benefits from waterjet cutting’s precision and non-thermal approach. Cutting glass with traditional methods can result in rough edges or breakage, but waterjet cutting’s controlled pressure prevents these issues. This is commonly used for custom glasswork in architecture, automotive, and art installations.
Glass Types That Can be Cut with Waterjet Technology
- Tempered Glass: Although tempered glass is difficult to cut with most methods, waterjet cutting provides a viable option due to its non-thermal nature. By using controlled water pressure, waterjet cutting can create precise cuts in tempered glass without compromising its strength.
- Laminated Glass: Laminated glass, often used in automotive and architectural applications, requires careful cutting to maintain its layered structure. Waterjet cutting can slice through laminated glass accurately, ensuring both layers stay intact for safety and aesthetic purposes.
- Decorative Glass: Decorative glass, used for artistic and architectural applications, benefits from waterjet cutting’s ability to handle complex shapes and patterns. This allows designers to create intricate designs without risking damage to the glass.
4. Plastics and Polymers
Waterjet cutting is also effective for cutting a variety of plastics and polymers, as it doesn’t create the heat that could melt or deform these materials. This allows for clean cuts on materials that require accuracy, such as components in electronics, automotive, and packaging industries. Waterjet cutting can also handle both soft and hard plastics, making it a flexible option in manufacturing.
Plastics and Polymers That Can be Cut with Waterjet Technology
- Acrylic: Acrylic is a popular material in signage, displays, and lighting applications. Waterjet cutting can produce smooth edges in acrylic without causing the material to melt or warp, which allows for high-quality finishes.
- Polycarbonate: Known for its strength and impact resistance, polycarbonate is often used in safety equipment and industrial applications. Waterjet cutting provides clean, precise cuts in polycarbonate without cracking, which is crucial for maintaining its durability.
- Polyethylene: Polyethylene, used in packaging, piping, and medical products, is easily cut with waterjet technology. Waterjet cutting’s precision ensures that polyethylene maintains its structural integrity, making it ideal for custom shapes and sizes.
5. Composites
Composite materials are often challenging to cut due to their layered construction and varying densities. Waterjet cutting is an ideal solution for composites because it doesn’t generate heat that could degrade or separate the layers. This is particularly useful in the aerospace, automotive, and marine industries, where composites are frequently used.
Composites That Can be Cut with Waterjet Technology
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is strong, lightweight, and widely used in high-performance applications, but it’s sensitive to heat. Waterjet cutting handles carbon fiber without causing delamination or structural compromise, making it suitable for precision parts.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass, often used in construction and marine applications, can splinter or crack with traditional cutting tools. Waterjet cutting’s controlled process creates clean, smooth edges in fiberglass, which enhances its durability.
- Kevlar: Known for its high tensile strength, Kevlar is often used in protective equipment and high-stress applications. Waterjet cutting provides precise cuts in Kevlar without fraying, preserving its protective properties.
6. Rubber and Foam
Rubber and foam materials benefit from waterjet cutting’s precision, especially for applications requiring custom shapes and intricate designs. These materials are commonly used in gaskets, insulation, and packaging, where accuracy and clean edges are essential. Waterjet cutting’s ability to handle soft materials without distortion makes it a valuable tool in manufacturing and industrial applications.
Rubber and Foam That Can be Cut with Waterjet Technology
- Rubber: Rubber is widely used for seals, gaskets, and vibration dampeners in various industries. Waterjet cutting creates precise, smooth cuts in rubber, allowing for accurate fitting in machinery and equipment.
- Neoprene: Neoprene, a durable synthetic rubber, is commonly used in industrial and marine environments. Waterjet cutting can handle thick sheets of neoprene, providing custom shapes without fraying or tearing.
- Foam: Foam materials are often used in packaging and insulation, which requires precise cuts for product protection. Waterjet cutting can create intricate shapes in foam with smooth edges, ensuring a snug fit and reducing material waste.
7. Wood
Though not as commonly associated with waterjet cutting, wood can also be effectively cut using this technology, especially for intricate designs and custom shapes. The waterjet cutting process provides clean, splinter-free cuts, making it a viable choice for furniture, cabinetry, and art projects.
Wood Types That Can be Cut with Waterjet Technology
- Hardwood: Hardwood is used in high-quality furniture and cabinetry, where precise cutting is essential. Waterjet cutting allows for intricate designs in hardwood, preserving its integrity and appearance.
- Plywood: Plywood, with its layered construction, benefits from waterjet cutting’s precision, which prevents separation of layers. This ensures clean, smooth cuts that maintain plywood’s structural stability for various applications.
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): MDF, a common material in furniture and shelving, can be cut with waterjet technology for accurate shapes and sizes. Waterjet cutting offers smooth, detailed edges in MDF, which is ideal for both functional and decorative uses.
Explore Precision Waterjet Cutting with FastMetals
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