Cutting is one of the essential processes of metal fabrication. It is crucial for getting your raw materials into the shape and sizes that suit the items you want to make. Notably, metals have different qualities that require special attention when cutting them. For instance, soft metals don't deliver the best results when they are cut using traditional saws and tools. You are better off using state-of-the-art techniques such as laser cutting. The following piece discusses one of the advanced methods of metal cutting, waterjet cutting. Read on to learn everything you want to know this technique: 

Defining Waterjet Cutting

As the name suggests, waterjet cutting refers to cutting metal components using high-pressure water streams (jets). When you get water to flow fast enough, it generates enough force to slice through metal and alter its shape. The secret to doing this successfully is making sure that the waterjet is always coherent. Secondly, ensure that the water flows through narrow-jewelled nozzles to maintain the required high pressure. 

Abrasive versus Pure Waterjets

Waterjets fall into two categories, abrasive and pure waterjets. Abrasive waterjets can cut through hard materials such as steel and cast iron. They use abrasives called garnets that range in grit size. On the other hand, you can opt for a pure waterjet with lesser grit. They are ideal for cutting very soft metals and other materials you may need to fabricate along with the metal components. Examples include plastics and gaskets. 

The Working Mechanism of Waterjets

Waterjet cutting starts with pressurised water moving through the equipment's cutting head via high-pressure hoses or tubing. As it moves through the cutting head, an orifice is applied to the water to enhance pressure and push it through typical diameters. Usually, the orifice is made from sapphires or diamonds to ensure that they can resist abrasion from the water's pressure. 

When the water leaves the orifice, the fabricator adds special abrasives to the stream of water to enhance its ability to cut through metals. The abrasive (grit) performs the cuts by hitting against the metal and creating a saw-like action. 

Advantages of Waterjet Cutting

There are several benefits of using waterjet cutting when fabricating your metal components. These advantages include:

• High levels of productivity achieved through fast-rate cutting. 
• Minimal kerfs allow the fabricator to detail the metal components thoroughly. 
• Waterjet cutting saves raw materials by reducing scrap and high amounts of metal chips. 

Contact a company that offers metal fabrication services to learn more.