Waterjet Cutting

The advantages of the Waterjet process extend beyond its cost competitivensess with other cutting techniques. Waterjet allows for the fabrication of many materials where there are no effective alternative methods. Waterjet also offers advantages for cutting complex shapes and intricate designs, not otherwise economically achievable. Images of this intricate work can be seen below: -


Stone Merchant offer the accuracy and reliability of the Waterjet machine allied to the experience of our operating personnel to offer our customers:

Virtual burr-free cut edges without the heat generated structural changes

Close nesting of shapes giving economical conversion of high value materials

Multi head operation allowing competitive cutting of flat materials

METAL

Water Jets can cut through metals up to 150mm thick. This is done by propelling water up to 2000mph through rigid, high pressure hoses and jets at a pressure of up to 60,000PSI, these jets can contain abrasive substances, such as garnet which erode away the material. Jet cutters have no problem slicing though Stainless Steel, Titanium, Tool Steel or even Armour Plating. Water cutting is typically used for cutting, excision or ablation (removing parts); structuring and can lend it to cutting items with sandwich structures or have a combination of materials/url] cut material from 1/16" inch to 8" inches thick, in high or low volume. Typical part tolerances range from between 0.003" and 0.005" of an inch, although tolerances as close as 0.001" of an inch can be achieved as well.

Because there is absolutely no mechanical stress, heat distortion or heat-affected zone (HAZ), secondary processing can be eliminated in many cases. Material can be stacked to increase productivity. Setup and fixturing are complete in just minutes.

Because waterjets cut with a narrow kerf, parts can be tightly nested or common-line cut so raw material usage is maximized. This means less scrap on your floor and more money in your pockets.
Whether you're cutting 8" inch thick Inconel, titanium, tool steel, or other materials, you'll discover the waterjets are versatile enough to cut a variety of shapes and materials.

COMPOSITES

Today's advanced composites can be as hard and rigid as steel, or as flexible as rubber, and still hold up to the stresses of supersonic flight.

Overcoming the Struggles of Conventional Cutting Methods

The same properties that make these materials so tough also make them extremely difficult to cut. Composite technologists continue to introduce new material combinations that defy the capabilities of traditional machining methods.

Until recently, conventional cutting methods, handheld diamond or carbide-tipped routers, band saws, cutoff saws and abrasive wheels were used to cut these unconventional materials.

Due to the composition and fiber orientatio
n of advanced composites, conventional cutting methods damaged the composites either by heating them up or by leaving frayed or delaminated edges.
In addition, these methods were agonizingly slow, allowing parts to be cut only one at a time. In addition, frequent delamination and fraying required costly rework.

STONE AND TILE

In today's dynamic business environment, the ability to think outside the box is key to maintaining a competitive edge.

Reduce Work-In-Process Time

Compared to traditional cutting tools and CNC machines, easy-to-use Flow waterjets dramatically reduce work-in-process time for stone and tile fabricators.

Our abrasive waterjet cuts any stone or tile, without a change in tooling. It can drill, or 'pierce', its own starter hole. It can pierce holes in most materials without any special consideration.

For materials that are extremely brittle or delicate, we offers the patented 'Vacuum Assist' option. With this option, even the most delicate glass, stone or tile can be pierced.

No Heat or Surface Stress

The abrasive waterjet does not impart any heat or surface stress onto the stone or tile. Therefore, the material retains original appearance and strength.

Compared to saws and CNCs, a Flow waterjet's thin cutting width (kerf) allows tight nesting of countertop parts in slabs. A waterjet increases material utilization, reduces costs and boosts profits.

With a waterjet it's easy to cut both sink and faucet holes and complex corners on edges of slabs. Combined with a router or hand polisher for bull-nosing and other edge finishing, high speed production or intricate designs are possible.

Contact Stone Merchant for more information on our Waterjet Cutting