What is a waterjet cutting system and what kind of work can be done with it?
The power of water was already used in mining in the early 19th century to dig more effectively in gravel and clay deposits. In the course of time and with the help of new technologies, the technique has been continuously developed and today water jet cutting machines can cut precisely, quickly and many materials. The water jet cutting machine always works according to the same principle: water is taken from a water tank and applied directly to the material to be cut with a high-pressure jet. This water jet, generated with the help of a high-pressure pump, now cuts the material. The advantages of modern machines are not only in their ability to cut almost all materials, but also in the high precision with which they can work. With the help of a CNC control even hard materials like sapphire can be cut to the micrometer. The machine works from the cutting head through the water jet much cleaner than mechanical pedants, which further increases the cutting accuracy.
How is a waterjet cutting system constructed?
The basic structure is always a machine frame, usually made of steel or aluminum. The high-pressure pump, the control system and the cutting head are located on this frame, spatially separated from each other. The control system is separated because modern machines are almost always equipped with a CNC control system, which of course should not necessarily come into contact with water. Depending on the model, the high pressure pump works either silently or loudly. That depends a little bit on the price and is an additional gimmick for a more comfortable working. Important is the performance of the pump, which should be high. Because only by a maximum pressure a high pressure sterilization is possible and therefore a clean cut on the workpiece. The cutting head is usually applied directly to the workpiece to be processed so that the jet can develop its maximum working power. Some manufacturers, such as Waterjet or Bystronic, supply various cutting heads which, together with the cutting control, enable even better cutting in precision.
What are the advantages of purchasing waterjet cutting systems?
The advantages have of course been briefly explained in the above paragraphs, but will be explained again here. Effective and above all precise work is only possible with a waterjet cutting system. Especially companies which cannot afford any mistakes in production and where even one millimeter can have a negative effect on the product will not be able to avoid the purchase of such a cutting system. High-quality systems are expensive, because after all these are high-tech products with a very long service life. As an entrepreneur, you can alternatively consider buying a used machine. With the appropriate certificate and of course an inspection, the purchase can be cheaper and still deliver perfect quality for a very long time. But independently of whether one decides for a new purchase, or the purchase of a used machine it is always necessary to include the operational possibilities and requirements, also in the future, into the considerations. After all, if you rely on the differences in price and prefer to buy a used machine, you may be in for a nasty surprise after a short time. Namely when the machine simply cannot meet the requirements and newer technology is needed for successful order processing. Whoever plans here and takes the future into account saves not only time and nerves, but also a lot of money when purchasing a waterjet cutting system.
