Making use of unused abrasive would seem like a good idea, especially since only 30 to 50 percent of all abrasive ever gets used for actual cutting. But is it worth the investment? The abrasive recycling process A typical abrasive recycling … [Read more...]
4 Factors to Consider for Waterjet Abrasives
Different kinds of waterjet abrasives will give you different results with your waterjet. So the more you know about them, the better you’ll be able to gauge what’s best for the performance and results you need. Here are four basic factors you … [Read more...]
Waterjet Etching
Waterjets are without a doubt the best cutting tools available. But did you know that this state-of-the-art technology can also be used to create 3-D images as well? Specially designed waterjet software now makes etching beautiful, complex designs … [Read more...]
Do You Need Waterjet Nesting Software?
One way you can make the most of your waterjet is by learning how to maximize the number of parts or items you can cut from whatever material you happen to be working with. The technical term for this is nesting. You can do this by hand or use … [Read more...]
Waterjet Cutter Tolerances
The precision with which a waterjet can cut a part is known as tolerance. Waterjets can make objects with tolerances as small as .025 mm, although .05mm is probably a more realistic figure for most machines. A number of factors – some of which are … [Read more...]
Waterjet “Fixturing”
“Fixturing” refers to a waterjet machining practice in which material to be cut is held firmly in place while the waterjet makes its cuts. Keeping material still is crucial as movement mars the surface of the part created and affects its overall … [Read more...]
3 Factors that Affect Your Waterjet Kerf Size
One of the great things about a waterjet is how economically it makes its cuts. Unlike regular saws, it removes and pulverizes far less material, known as “kerf,” from whatever it is you are cutting. For example: if you cut a board with a saw, … [Read more...]
How to Control Waterjet Taper Effect
Waterjets are superbly effective cutting tools. But under some circumstances, they can create what’s called taper. This means that the edges of the newly cut material are uneven rather than straight. Fortunately, it’s easy to control … [Read more...]
Waterjets and the Art of Stacking
Stacking thin materials before you use a waterjet to cut them can result in large increases in productivity. Depending on the materials being cut, however, if the total stack height exceeds 1/4” to 1/2”, you may not get the results that are as … [Read more...]
4 Methods of Abrasive Water Jet Piercing
Waterjets make shop cutting projects a snap. But did you know that you can apply four basic techniques to pierce even the thickest and/or most brittle materials with ease? Method #1: Wiggle piercing This method of piercing requires that you move … [Read more...]
