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What is Waterjet Cutting?

A waterjet cutting machine is a powerful industrial tool that can cut through a variety of materials. By using a high-pressure water jet, water can cut through soft materials like wood and rubber. If the water is mixed with an abrasive substance, it can even cut through harder materials like aluminum oxide, stainless steel, and marble.

Simply put, waterjet cutting is a controlled, high-pressure water stream that cuts a wide variety of materials. 

Video courtesy of WAZER. 

How Does Waterjet Cutting Work?

In its simplest form, a waterjet cutter works by generating pressure and turning that pressure into velocity. 

Step 1: Create Pressure

Most waterjets use high-pressure pumps to create a stream of water. Pumps that create high pressure can either be an intensifier pump or a direct drive/crankshaft pump. A direct drive pump works by using plungers attached to a crankshaft to force water through high-pressure tubing. An intensifier pump creates pressure by using hydraulic oil to move a piston which then forces water through a nozzle.

Step 2: Turn Pressure into Velocity

The water from the pump then flows through the high-pressure tubing and comes out of the nozzle as a thin, powerful jet, usually ranging anywhere from 50,000 to 90,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) for larger industrial waterjet cutters, and about 3,000 to 4,600 PSI for desktop waterjet cutters.

Step 3: Add Abrasives

Adding an abrasive, or tiny garnet particles, into the waterjet stream allows you to cut stronger materials, like stainless steel, glass, stones, and more. 

The inner workings of a waterjet cutter. Photo courtesy of Wazer.
The inner workings of a waterjet cutter. Photo courtesy of WAZER.

What is Waterjet Cutting Used For?

Because waterjet cutting is a fast and precise way to cut through materials, it is used in a wide variety of industries, including, but not limited to: aerospace, automotive, construction, medical fields, and even paper production.

Basically, if you need a specific material cut in a precise shape or design that can't be affected by heat, waterjet cutters are a great tool for you. 

Waterjet cutters are used in many industries that need various materials, like metal, cut precisely. Photo courtesy of WAZER.
Waterjet cutters are used in many industries that need various materials, like metal, cut precisely. Photo courtesy of WAZER.

Because waterjet cutters are "cool cutters" and don't apply heat to the material you are cutting, it opens up a world of material options:

    Metal
        • Aluminum
        • Brass
        • Copper
        • Mild Steel
        • Stainless Steel
        • Titanium
        • Tool Steel
        • More!
    Glass
        • Borosilicate Glass
        • Soda Lime Glass
    Plastic
        • Acrylic
        • HDPE
        • Polycarbonate
    Composites
        • Carbon Fiber
    Tile
        • Ceramic tile
        • Porcelain tile
    Rubber
        • 50A Neoprene
        • 50A Neoprene
        • 60A Polyurethane
    Foam
        • Polyurethane Foam

Waterjet cutters can cut hundreds of materials. Photo courtesy of WAZER.
Waterjet cutters can cut hundreds of materials. Photo courtesy of WAZER.

Have more questions about desktop waterjet cutters? Feel free to reach out to sales@matterhackers.com to learn more, or visit our selection of desktop waterjet cutters here. 

See How People Use Waterjet Cutting for Their Business

Check out Allison Eden, a world-renowned glass artist, and learn how the WAZER small-footprint industrial waterjet has helped her art and business grow.

Check out THE SPECIALISTS LTD., who are using waterjet cutting with the WAZER to help their prop-making and manufacturing business. 

UC Boulder is giving its students an amazing hands-on waterjet cutting experience that will help them succeed in their engineering and design career paths.