how waterjet
cutting works

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Waterjet cutting
technology

Waterjet cutting is one of the most versatile production techniques. With this technology, a wide range of materials can be cut. With a smooth cutting edge, waterjet cutting also reduces the finishing required. High-pressure pumps are the heart of the system to ensure consistent and reliable results. Resato has a long history in reliable high pressure systems.

Waterjet cutting
working principle

Waterjet cutting is a process by which materials are cut with a high-pressure water stream. By adding an abrasive the cutting force is increased and it is possible to cut through the hardest materials. Waterjet cutting is a cold process which is an advantage in cutting high end metal alloys; the material properties of which will remain unchanged. When cutting composite materials the remains collect in the water basin so that no dust is spread. This leads to a safe workplace and an environmentally friendly process.

Waterjet cutting
and its advantages

Almost any material can be cut with waterjet cutters such as plastics, metals such as steels, alloys, titanium and copper, rubber, glass, concrete, ceramics and stone. Cutting 200 mm thick is no problem. The main advantages of waterjet cutting are:

  • The cutting process is cold, eliminating the risk of melting, tearing, hardening or deformation
  • One single machine will be able to cut a wide range of materials
  • Accuracy depends on the cutting variables chosen. Cutting to an accuracy of 0.1 mm is entirely possible
  • Our cutting tables are all about precision. We can reliably position to an accuracy of 0,05mm, not only with a new table but also after years of use. A similar precision is found in our abrasive metering, and our easy to use control panel
  • Low emissions of dust which is an advantage in cutting wood, stone and composite
  • The cutting process leaves no barbs or faults on the cutting face but a smooth finish

Abrasive vs
Pure water cutting

Abrasive waterjet cutting uses an abrasive particle (e.g. garnet) added to high pressure water to cut through hard materials. The abrasive particle is added to the water in the nozzle of a waterjet cutting machine. In this operation, it is actually the abrasive particle that does the work of cutting the material. The role of the water is to accelerate the abrasive particle up to a speed suitable for cutting and to direct the particles to the chosen cutting point.

Abrasive cutting is ideal for harder or thicker materials like metals, stones, or thick plastics. With pure waterjet cutting it is the pressure and speed of the water itself which penetrates the material. Pure waterjet cutting is ideal for softer materials like fabrics, rubber, or metal foils. One key application for pure water cutting is in the processing of food where strict health regulations governing the industry can be met by using pure water without abrasive additives.