Waterjet cutting machines are now one of the fastest growing precision production methods in the UK simply because they are simple to maintain and operate. They incorporate a design that allows water to flow from the pump to the cutting head through the plumbing. However, the process through which the water flows from the pump to the cutting head involves extremely complex technology, design and materials. In order to work, the machine must generate and control water at very high pressures. It should also be properly designed to prevent leakage, which can cause permanent damage to the components.
Typically, waterjet cutting machines can be categorised in two types that include pure waterjet and abrasive waterjet. The pure waterjet machines are used to cut soft materials, but can be easily and quickly transformed into abrasive waterjet machines. The largest uses of pure waterjet cutting are automotive interiors, tissue paper and disposable diapers.
The abrasive waterjet machines are more powerful than the pure waterjet machines. They are designed to cut hard materials such as glass, metals, stone, and composites. Some of the abrasive waterjet attributes include thin material cutting, 10-inch thick cutting, stack cutting, detailed geometry, thin stream, no heat affected zones, extremely versatile process and easy to program.
Why choose waterjet machines?
The major highlights of waterjet machines are their versatility and ease of operation. Since the machines virtually have no limits on what they can cut, bigger companies with diverse cutting needs are choosing them to realise greater efficiency and productivity. It is important to note that waterjet machines can cut a wide variety of dimensions, shapes and materials.
They also helping companies expand their capabilities and innovations. Today, companies in the automotive, aerospace, construction and fabrication industries among others can now experiment with other materials something that required major investments before.
The machines also help reduce material and production costs and thus, increase profitability. The machines require minimal fixtures enabling users to commence work almost immediately. This ensures greater productivity.
The cutting machines also help companies complement their already existing technologies. Unlike other cutting technologies, waterjet cutting machines can be used together with other cutting technologies such as milling, plasma, laser and EDM to help improve functionality and productivity.
Nevertheless, it is imperative to understand that these machines come in a wide variety and with different price levels. Therefore, in order to minimise unnecessary expenditures, you should closely examine your production capability and match it with the right machine.
One of the most important aspects that you should consider when choosing the right waterjet machine includes the size of stock plates. Sizing the machine can be an expensive approach especially when the plate is of an odd large size. When dealing with this kind of a situation, you may find it cheaper to cut an oversized plate down or you let the oversized plate overhand out of the catcher.
The other imperative aspect that you should consider is the accuracy required. The right machine should handle the most accurate part of your job effectively. The other necessary factor is the proficiency. Since it is almost impossible to have a programmer working as the operator, you should choose a machine with an intelligent control to help improve productivity over complex and hard to learn systems.