Waterjet cutting is celebrated for its ability to cut through a wide variety of materials with precision and efficiency. This process, which utilizes a high-pressure stream of water often mixed with an abrasive, is versatile enough to handle everything from metals and plastics to stone and glass. At SchGo Engineered Products, we use this technology to meet diverse manufacturing needs.
Metals
Steel and Stainless Steel
Steel is a fundamental material in many industries, known for its strength and durability. Waterjet cutting can handle various grades and thicknesses of steel, including stainless steel, without generating heat. This cold cutting process prevents thermal distortion and maintains the material’s integrity, making it ideal for applications requiring high precision, such as automotive components, structural parts, and industrial machinery.
Aluminum
Aluminum’s lightweight yet strong properties make it a popular choice in the aerospace and automotive sectors. Waterjet cutting allows for precise shaping of aluminum parts, crucial for applications where weight reduction is essential without compromising strength. The process also maintains the metal’s clean edges, reducing the need for secondary finishing.
Titanium
Titanium is renowned for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, often used in aerospace, medical devices, and marine applications. Waterjet cutting can effectively handle titanium’s tough and dense nature, providing clean cuts that are free from burrs and thermal effects, which is crucial for maintaining the metal’s biocompatibility and structural properties.
Copper and Brass
These metals are valued for their electrical conductivity and malleability. Waterjet cutting is particularly effective for intricate designs and precise cuts in copper and brass, used in electronic components, plumbing fixtures, and decorative elements. The process’s precision ensures minimal material wastage and smooth finishes.
Plastics and Composites
Acrylic and Polycarbonate
These clear plastics are commonly used in displays, protective covers, and signage. Waterjet cutting offers a high level of precision, ensuring smooth edges and clean cuts without cracking or discoloration. This capability is essential for applications requiring optical clarity and durability.
Composites (Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass)
Composites like carbon fiber and fiberglass combine strength with light weight, making them ideal for automotive, aerospace, and sporting goods applications. Waterjet cutting can handle the layered structure of these materials, providing precise and clean cuts without damaging the fibers, which is crucial for maintaining the composite’s structural integrity.
Rubber and Foam
Waterjet cutting is highly effective for cutting rubber and foam materials used in gaskets, seals, and packaging. The process’s precision ensures clean edges, reducing the need for additional processing. This is particularly important for creating tight seals and cushioning products.
Stone and Glass
Marble and Granite
Stone materials like marble and granite are popular in architecture and interior design. Waterjet cutting can create intricate designs and precise shapes in these hard materials, making it possible to produce custom countertops, flooring, and decorative elements. The process’s ability to cut without generating heat is crucial in preventing cracks and preserving the stone’s natural beauty.
Glass
Glass cutting with waterjets allows for the production of custom shapes and designs, from thick structural glass to delicate stained glass. The process can handle different types of glass, including tempered glass, which requires precise cutting to prevent shattering. This capability is invaluable in industries ranging from construction to art.
Exotic Materials
Ceramics
Advanced ceramics, used in electronics and medical devices, are known for their hardness and brittleness. Waterjet cutting offers a non-thermal cutting method, preventing cracks and maintaining the material’s properties. This precision is essential for producing components like insulators and surgical tools.
Exotic Alloys
Superalloys and other exotic metals are often used in high-performance applications, such as aerospace engines and power generation. Waterjet cutting can handle these materials’ high hardness and resistance to thermal damage, providing clean and precise cuts essential for the stringent requirements of these industries.
Environmental and Practical Considerations
Waterjet cutting is not only versatile in terms of the materials it can handle but also environmentally friendly. The process generates minimal waste and does not produce hazardous gases or heat, making it safer for both operators and the environment. Additionally, the water and abrasives used in cutting can often be recycled, further reducing the environmental impact.
Waterjet cutting’s ability to handle a wide range of materials—from metals and plastics to stone and glass—makes it an invaluable tool in modern manufacturing. Its precision, versatility, and environmental benefits set it apart from other cutting methods, offering unique advantages for various industries.
At SchGo Engineered Products, we are committed to utilizing the latest waterjet cutting technology to deliver exceptional results for our clients. Whether you’re working with traditional metals or exotic materials, waterjet cutting offers a reliable solution for precise and efficient manufacturing.
