Metal fabrication via water jet cutting comes with a ton of advantages, which is why it is such a popular method for manufacturers. The process relies on accelerated erosion, which is caused by a significant amount of pressure being applied to augment the impact of the water being shot out.
It’s a cutting method that is completely devoid of heat, which is excellent for leaving metals in pristine condition. More to the point, water jet cutting provides a way to fabricate metals like aluminium in a more precise, controlled, and detailed manner.
This is why water jet cutting performs quite well in the production of materials that are either raw metal or assembled in a wide variety of consumer goods. Other cutting methods that employ heat or friction just aren’t suited to some delicate fabrication because they warp the metal.
The results are also often cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing.
Using Water To Cut Metal
Water jet cutters have been used to fabricate all kinds of materials for decades, not just metals. They work by pushing water through narrow openings of various sizes, accompanied by incredible amounts of pressure. This results in thin jets of water that are being propelled at such speeds that they literally carve up whatever they come in contact with.
To add to the water, abrasive granular materials are also often added to the jet. As such, what you get is unbridled cutting power that can even shear off the surfaces of diamonds. When applied to metals like aluminium, there is no contest in the cutting efficiency and cleanliness of water jet cutters.
Water jet cutters are made up of several parts, with machines differing in complexity depending on their model, maker, and even what they are used for. Some water jet cutters are meant for specific cutting tasks while others are more multipurpose. For cutting metals, however, they typically come with the following:
- Table – This is where the metal will be placed, which can accommodate sheets, roads, blocks, and the like.
- X-Y traverse system – Holds the nozzle and directs it for precise cutting.
- Abrasive water jet nozzle – Holds the abrasive material to be added to the water for cutting.
- Pump – Provide the pressure necessary to propel the water and the abrasive grains.
- Catcher tank – A tank that contains water to receive the excess energy from the cutter and dissipate it.
- Control system – Provides the control input to decide the shape of the final product after fabrication.
With all of these, and perhaps some extra attachments for more complex setups, water jet cutters can fabricate just about anything. It doesn’t matter the shape, size, or design.
Pros and Cons of Water Jet Cutting
There are a lot of reasons why water jet cutters are the preferred choice by a lot of manufacturers for fabricating their metal goods. Then again, this doesn’t mean that water jet cutters don’t have their own drawbacks.
That’s why it’s worth looking into the pros and cons of this cutting option.
Pros
- Low Costs – Water jet cutters are quite a bit less expensive to operate compared to other fabrication methods. It’s especially cost-effective when you consider the reduced necessity for labour and the efficiency of the actual fabrication process itself.
- No Heat – Heat is a good way to cut metal or other materials, but it can often be a detriment to certain types of cutting goals. Water jet cutting doesn’t come with these disadvantages.
- No Chemicals – There are no chemicals involved in fabricating materials using water jet cutters. This prevents contamination of any kind.
- Versatility – There are very few things that can’t be fabricated using water jet cutters, which is why it’s favoured among manufacturers and businesses that provided more detailed services.
- Precision – Last but not least, water jet cutters have proven to be insanely accurate methods of fabrication. No matter how complex the design of the final product might be, it can be achieved using this method, especially with the right expertise.
Cons
- Not Suitable for Engravings – Controlling how far the water jet can cut into materials, especially thinner sheets, can be quite difficult. As such, this option is not ideal for engravings.
- Rough Holes – Water jet cutters are not the best tools for making smooth and perfectly round holes, especially at the smaller sizes. They’re just not meant for that.
So, there you have it. Those are the pros and cons of using water jet cutters. If you are interested in this method for your own business, be sure to keep them in mind.
Water Jet Cutting for Business
Water jet cutting is excellent for businesses, whether they are the ones purchasing goods for custom work or they are producing the items themselves. In the case of commissioning signs, decorative materials, architectural additions, and the like, for example, water just cutters are perfect for elaborate designs.
Special projects that require fast turnaround times will also benefit from water jet cutters. These machines can work quickly with the pre-programmed designs that need to be produced reducing the chances of delays.
The efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use of water jet cutters also make them excellent assets for manufacturers. They can work with a wide range of materials, including metal and stone, but if you want to get the best results, be sure to have experts on hand.
Conclusion
Water jet cutters are among the most effective fabrication innovations to have come up in the last few decades. They are incredibly versatile, both in terms of what they can produce and what materials they can cut.
The reduced costs in operating them will make manufacturing more profitable for businesses that use them and will also help save customers money when purchasing goods. More importantly, there is a wider range of products and services that can be made available, which helps draw in more customers.
Whether the concern is turnaround time, aesthetics, efficiency, or costs, a water jet cutter can serve your needs just fine.
At Custom Aluminium, we have state-of-the-art water jet cutting facilities for aluminium fabrication in Perth. If you are looking or need help with an aluminium project, please reach out to us to see if we can help.
