Water Jet
From GTMS
Introduction to Water Jets
Waterjets are a versatile machining technology that utilizes a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with an abrasive garnet, to cut a wide variety of materials. This process, known as abrasive waterjet cutting, allows for intricate and precise cuts without introducing heat-affected zones, making it ideal for materials sensitive to thermal distortion like aluminum, stainless steel, and composites. Pure waterjet cutting, without abrasives, is employed for softer materials such as rubber, foam, and food products. The cutting action is achieved by the erosive force of the high-velocity stream, capable of slicing through thicknesses ranging from thin foils to several inches of solid material with minimal kerf and excellent edge quality.