CNC water jet cutting is a versatile and precise technology used across various industries for cutting a wide range of materials. It utilizes a high-pressure stream of water, sometimes mixed with an abrasive material, to cut or shape different substances with remarkable accuracy. This method has gained popularity due to its ability to cut almost any material while preserving the integrity of the workpiece.

What is CNC Water Jet Cutting?

CNC water jet cutting is a manufacturing process that uses a high-pressure water stream to erode material. When water alone is insufficient to cut hard materials, abrasives such as garnet are added to the water stream to increase its cutting power. The CNC system automates the cutting process, allowing for high precision and repeatability by controlling the movement of the water jet head.

The typical water pressure used in CNC water jet machines can reach up to 60,000 psi (pounds per square inch). At such high pressures, the water stream can penetrate hard materials like metals, stone, and composites.

How CNC Water Jet Machines Work

A CNC water jet machine comprises the following key components:

1. High-Pressure Pump: This pump pressurizes the water, often using hydraulic or electric systems, pushing it through the nozzle at very high speeds.
2. Cutting Head: The cutting head contains the orifice where the pressurized water is forced through to create a narrow jet. When using abrasive water jet cutting, an abrasive material is mixed into the water stream just before it exits the nozzle.
3. CNC Controller: The CNC system controls the cutting process, guiding the movement of the cutting head based on a pre-programmed design or CAD file. It ensures the precision of the cuts by following the specified pattern.
4. Abrasive Feeder: In abrasive water jet cutting, the feeder introduces materials like garnet into the water stream to enhance the cutting capability, especially for harder substances.

Types of CNC Water Jet Cutting

1. Pure Water Jet Cutting: This technique uses only water and is typically used for cutting soft materials like rubber, foam, and textiles.
2. Abrasive Water Jet Cutting: Abrasive materials are mixed with the water stream to cut harder materials such as metals, glass, and stone. The abrasive particles, typically garnet, increase the cutting power of the water stream.