Why CNC Waterjet Cutting is Ideal for your Industrial Applications

CNC Waterjet Cutting Machine

An automatic cutting machine designed and developed based on the technology of waterject cutting is a CNC Waterjet. It cuts materials with high pressure water. These machines are controlled by the CNC technology where certain parts are programmed beforehand. CNC Waterjet cutting machine offers automatic, highly accurate cutting operation. 

For the cutting of soft materials, the water force is enough. In the case of hard materials, the water force will not offer a swift cutting, instead a slow one. For speeding up the cutting process  an abrasive material is added to the stream of water and hence it is called abrasive water jet cutting. CNC is capable of programming and controlling both normal and abrasive water jet cutting. 

Working of CNC Water jet cutting

Like many other cutting processes, this is also a multi stage process.

1. Designing

The first step is to create the design of the part. In the case of straight line simple cuts, this step can be omitted. For complicated parts, it’s required to have a detailed graphical design  with measurements. These designs are made in CAD software.  

2. Design Conversion

In a CNC waterjet cutting machine, the designs are programmed in CAM language (Computer Aided Manufacturing which is g-code and m-code)  as it doesn’t understand the CAD. The design conversion from CAD to CAM is done through a CAM software and the output file is fed into the control panel of the machine. 

3. Setting-up Machine

As part of setting up the machine to start the operation, the jobpiece is clamped to the working table. All the required settings are done and initial checks are completed.

4. Starting the machine

It depends on the CNC waterjet model type, the starting up process of the machine takes place. For the startup a pressure is developed in the hydraulic pump. A pressurised hydraulic oil of 50 psi is offered to the intensifier. It’s possible to increase the hydraulic pressure to 59,000 psi with an intensifier. 

5. Waterjet Cutting Execution  

Upon having the adequate pressure, the head of the water jet cutting machine keeps moving around the part and the stream of high pressure water is forced. The movement of the water jet cutting head is controlled by the G-code inside the CAM file. The steam of water will be narrow and has a thickness less than that of a hair.

6. Part Unmounting

Once the machining process is complete, the part is unmounted from the machine. In case of more machining requirements,  it’s mounted again on the working table or else it’s moved for a secondary machining process.

Waterjet cutting - Types

CNC waterjet cutting machines come in various configurations. Based on the cutting requirement, each model is chosen. The different models are:

One-dimensional Waterjet Cutting

Also called single-axis cutting machines, the waterjet cutting heads move in a single direction. These machines are used for applications where there is a requirement for straight linear cuts and is commonly used in raw material processing applications.

Two-dimensional Waterjet Cutting

Also called 2-axis waterjet cutting machines where the heads can move on X and Y axes, it’s possible for these machines to facilitate linear and circular cuts. 

3-axis Waterjet Cutting

As the name suggests, in 3-axis water jet cutting  machines , the cutting head can move in X, Y and Z-axes. X-axis allows movement to left and right , Y-axis to the top and bottom  and Z-axis enable movement vertically i.e. perpendicular to the working table.

4-axis Waterjet Cutting

Here the cutting head moves in the linear X, Y and Z axis in addition to its movement in the A- axis. A -axis is a circular axis that is around X-axis. This type of waterjet cutting enables curve cutting and helps to machine 5 sides of the jobpiece. 

5-axis Waterjet Cutting

Out of all the waterjet cutting processes, this is the most capable one. It offers linear cutting in X, Y and Z axes in addition to facilitating the movement of cutting heads to A, B and C axes. 

What type of materials can be cut by a CNC Waterjet cutting machine?

Ideally water jet cutting machines are capable of cutting almost all the materials except tempered glass and diamond.  The most common materials that can be cut by waterjet cutting machines are: 

- Metals

Metals and alloys of metal are commonly cut by waterjet cutting machines. The most common metals that are cut by making use of this technique are:

- Stainless Steel (all grades)

-Iron

- Aluminum

- Tool Steel

-Titanium

-Mild Steel

-Gold

-Copper

-Brass

-Platinum

-Chrome

-Carbon Steel

-Nickel

Glass

Glasses are very delicate materials and hence cannot be cut by traditional cutting techniques. But glass can be pierced and cut smoothly without any effort. Examples are: 

- Plain glass

- Mirrors

- Frosted glass

Glassware

- Reinforced glass

- Stone

A very common application of waterjet cutting is the cutting of stones which are used for flooring, countertops in kitchen, cladding etc. The most common tiles and stone that are cut by this method are:

- Marble

- Porcelain

- Tiles

- Caesarstone

-Granite

- Silestone

-Composites

Composite materials are created by combining multiple materials. You could find it a little complex to cut composites  by conventional cutting methods. Easy cutting of these materials are facilitated by the waterjet cutting method. The most common composites that are cut by waterjet cutting method are: 

- Fiberglass

- Carbon Fiber

- Fibre Reinforced Plastics

- Plastics

There are lots of benefits associated with cutting plastics by waterjet cutting method. As we know that plastics could release toxic fumes during their cutting when done with traditional cutting methods. CNC Waterjet cutting, being a cold cutting process does not let plastic emit any toxic gasses. The common plastics that are cut by waterjet cutting methods are: 

- ABS

- Nylon

- Styrene

- UHDP

- Polythene

- LHDP

Rubber

Another major application of waterjet cutting is the cutting of rubber. Rubber being a very soft material, cutting it with traditional cutting methods can generate heat which in turn will harden the rubber.  However, cutting rubber using a waterjet cutting method will eliminate such a situation and also offer great precision..

Paper Products

One of the most common CNC waterjet cuttings is used in the paper industry. It’s used to cut paper, paper based products like cardboard as well as paper reams. Since paper is a very soft product, water jet cutting is one of the effective methods of cutting paper. 

Wood

Another major application of the waterjet cutting method is in the wood industry where woods are cut for creating furniture. By utilising waterjet cutting, it is possible to create complex shapes from wood. Plywood cutting is also facilitated with waterjet cutting machines as it won't cause any delamination.

What are the advantages of a CNC waterjet cutting machine?

CNC waterjet cutting machines offer several unparalleled advantages in comparison to other cutting methods.  They are:

- Zero heat affected areas

- Material property preservation

- Accuracy

- Quality edges

- Contactless cutting

- Affordability

- Flexibility

What are the areas of application of CNC waterjet cutting machines?

Several wide range of industries make use of CNC waterjet cutting. Key application areas are:

- Aerospace

- Automobile

- Healthcare

- Signage

- Electronics

- Art

- Food & Beverage

Conclusion

There is no doubt that CNC waterjet is a one step forward technology when it comes to the cutting of hard as well as soft materials. There is no comparison with the level of accuracy and flexibility offered by this cutting process. Being a cold cutting process, this cutting method finds wide acceptance. Are you someone who is looking to purchase a waterjet cutting machine in the Middle East? Don’t wait, YES Machinery is your right partner to get the right kind of machines in the premium quality.