Water-jet cutting is a versatile industrial tool that cuts through materials by pumping water at high pressure through a hydraulic hose and out of a specialized nozzle. The exit velocity is so great that the water can cut through metal, brick, concrete, and other materials. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of operation, below is an introduction to water-jet cutting.

How Does It Work?

Because the pressure from a main tap is insufficient, even when channeled through a tiny nozzle, to cut through hard materials, the cutter must be attached to a high-pressure, hydraulic pump. Abrasive materials such as flakes of aluminum oxide are often added to help with the cutting.

Water exits the hose through the nozzle at a diameter of 1/10 to 1/2 millimeter and at approximately Mach 3 (2,500 feet per second) or about three times the speed of sound. Water-jet cutters can slice through nearly any material, even titanium, so they’re useful in industries as diverse as aerospace, woodworking, and tool and die. 

What Are the Advantages?

The principal advantage of water-jet cutting is that it doesn’t require or generate heat. It can, therefore, be used for applications where the cut object would otherwise melt, crack, or burn. It also eliminates thermal stress that later results in fatigue failure, which, in turn, reduces manufacturing costs.

The process is useful for shaping rubber, plastic, and even laminated objects that cause problems for other types of cutters. One of the few limitations is tempered glass, which shatters instead of cutting cleanly.

Water-jet cutting is also environmentally friendly: it produces no hazardous waste and reuses water in a closed-loop system. You can cut complex patterns with little waste material.

For all the equipment you need to support a water-jet cutter, including hydraulic hoses and fittings, contact D & M Hydraulic Sales & Service in Waipahu, HI. They maintain six locations throughout the state and have served clients since 1983. They also provide water-jet custom gasket cutting as well as filters, pumps, valves, gaskets, and other hydraulic hose supplies to fully outfit your needs. Visit their website to find out more about their products and services, or call (808) 671-2420 to ask about pricing.