Waterjet cutting is an advanced machining process that utilizes high-pressure water, sometimes combined with an abrasive material, to cut through a wide variety of materials. Unlike traditional cutting methods that involve heat or mechanical force, waterjet cutting supplies a cold-cutting technique that's both precise and versatile. This technology originated in the aerospace industry in the 1970s and has since expanded into numerous fields due to its capability to cut materials which range from metal and stone to glass and foam. The procedure operates by pressurizing water to between 30,000 and 90,000 psi (pounds per square inch), developing a stream that moves at supersonic speeds. In cases where additional cutting power becomes necessary, a fine abrasive material like garnet is added to the water, enhancing the stream's ability to slice through tougher materials with even greater precision.

One of many major benefits of waterjet cutting is its ability to cut without generating heat, a characteristic  premier waterjet "cold cutting." This feature makes it suitable for applications where heat-affected zones (HAZ) really are a concern. In traditional cutting methods, such as for instance laser or plasma cutting, heat generated can alter the physical properties of the material being cut. This alteration can cause weakened structures, hardened edges, or color changes, which may require further processing to replace the material's integrity. With waterjet cutting, these concerns are minimized as there's no heat production involved. This makes waterjet cutting ideal for materials like metals, composites, and plastics that may warp or degrade under high temperatures, ensuring that their properties remain unaltered post-cutting.

The precision of waterjet cutting is another key factor that sets it apart. Waterjet machines are capable of producing intricate shapes and patterns with tolerance levels as tight as 0.003 inches. This degree of precision makes waterjet cutting well suited for industries requiring high accuracy, such as for example aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Moreover, waterjet systems could be programmed with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, permitting highly detailed designs to be implemented quickly and accurately. Operators can certainly adjust cutting parameters, such as for instance speed and pressure, to suit the material type and thickness, which makes it a very customizable cutting solution. This flexibility also means that waterjet cutting can accommodate prototype work, one-off projects, and large-scale production runs alike.

Beyond precision and cold cutting, waterjet cutting is known for its eco-friendly nature. Since the method uses water and natural abrasives, there's minimal environmental impact compared to methods involving chemicals or emissions. Additionally, the absence of hazardous fumes and gases during cutting makes the workplace safer for operators and reduces the need for expensive ventilation systems. The water used in waterjet cutting can be often recycled within the device, and the abrasive material can sometimes be reused or discarded with minimal environmental repercussions. This green approach has made waterjet cutting a favorite choice in industries seeking to minimize their carbon footprint and adhere to increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

One notable characteristic of waterjet cutting is its versatility across various materials. It can cut metals like metal, aluminum, and titanium, as well as softer materials such as rubber, wood, and plastic. When abrasive materials are added to the waterjet, it can also slice through dense, hard materials like granite and ceramics. This versatility ensures that manufacturers do not require multiple machines for different materials, that may significantly reduce operational costs. Exactly the same machine can very quickly transition from cutting thick, hard materials to delicate, thin materials with a simple adjustment in settings. As a result, waterjet cutting is a valuable tool for workshops and manufacturers that handle diverse projects and materials.