Waterjet technology is basically the flow of water to the pump, which then reaches pressures up to 100,000 psi. It then travels through high pressure tubing and out to the cutting head. There are two types of waterjet cutting:
1. Abrasive Waterjet Cutting
2. Pure Waterjet Cutting
Abrasive waterjet cutting is more popular than pure waterjet cutting. Abrasive waterjet cutting uses abrasives to erode the material. The waterjet cutting head needs to be close to the material being cut. Abrasive waterjet cutting is best for increased production for many types of applications. These applications include: glass cutting (kitchen, shower screens, bullet proof glass, inlays, stained glass, etc.) exotic metals (steel, titanium, aluminium, copper, stainless steel, bronze, tool steel, nickel, alloys etc.) stone and tile cutting (floor inlays, wall inlays, custom tiles, custom flooring, counter tops, etc.).
Pure waterjet cutting is used for applications that take in consideration the speed of the waterjet cutting, reliability, and minimal residual moisture. The residual moisture residue is very low because of the very small stream (very small orifice streams) and very high speeds. For that reason alone, pure waterjet cutting is very popular in the paper industry. Pure waterjet cutting is very commonly used for the following industries: slitting, paper, foam, fabric, installation, diapers, plastics, leathers, and also used in food cutting such as cakes and produce.
