Why choose waterjet cutting? Precision and versatility

As experts in abrasives for waterjet cutting for many years, Groupe Bellemare explains why this process should be your preferred choice for your precision cutting needs.

Here are the benefits, uses, target sectors and challenges of waterjet cutting.

Benefits of Waterjet Cutting

Unmatched Precision

Using a concentrated jet of high-pressure water mixed with abrasives, waterjet machines can cut a variety of materials with exceptional precision. With tolerances as low as 0.005 inches (0.13 mm), waterjet cutting guarantees precise, intricate cuts, even for projects involving complex designs or delicate materials.

Waterjet Cutting can be used for a Wide Range of Materials

One of the greatest advantages of waterjet cutting is its versatility. Unlike traditional cutting methods, waterjet cutting can handle a wide range of materials, including metals (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium), stone, glass, composites, rubber, plastics and more. 

Whether you need to cut thick or thin materials, soft or hard surfaces, waterjet cutting is up to the challenge.

Cold-Cutting Process

The heat generated during traditional cutting (laser and plasma, for example) can deform the material or even alter its properties. With waterjet cutting, however, the absence of heat eliminates these problems. 

As a cold process, waterjet cutting preserves the structural integrity and original properties of the material to be cut. This is particularly beneficial for heat-sensitive materials such as plastics, composites or metals with specific thermal properties.

Low Waste Generation

Waterjet cutting excels in waste reduction. Traditional cutting methods, such as laser or plasma cutting, produce large quantities of waste due to their heat-induced cutting stroke. 

Conversely, waterjet cutting has a narrow cutting width, resulting in minimal material loss. This reduces the cost and environmental impact of your project!

No Mechanical Strain

Many cutting methods subject materials to mechanical strain, which can lead to weakness or structural damage. Waterjet cutting, on the other hand, is a non-contact process, exerting minimal force on the material to be cut. This gentle approach reduces the risk of stress-induced fractures, distortions or microcracks in the material, ensuring a clean, undisturbed cut.

Eco-Friendly

Environmental sustainability is crucial to all projects, and waterjet cutting offers a green solution. As the main cutting agent, the process uses water, a natural resource. What’s more, waterjet cutting produces no harmful fumes, dust or hazardous waste. 

With closed-loop systems and advanced filtration, water can even be recycled!

Enables Complex Designs

The ability to cut complex designs with exceptional precision is a key feature of waterjet cutting. With computer-aided design software and 5-axis waterjet cutting machines, complex geometries can be produced effortlessly. Waterjet cutting gives you unlimited design possibilities!

Safe for Operators

Safety is paramount in any manufacturing process. Waterjet cutting ensures operator safety by minimizing the risks associated with traditional cutting methods. With no heat, hazardous fumes or sparks, waterjet cutting provides a safe, controlled working environment. 

What’s more, our waterjet cutting machines are equipped with advanced safety mechanisms, such as sensors, emergency stop buttons and much more, guaranteeing optimum protection for operators.

Low-Cost Solution

Although waterjet cutting may seem like a high-end technology, it offers cost-effective benefits in the long term. Precise cuts and minimal material waste reduce the need for additional machining or secondary processes, saving time and money. What’s more, the versatility of waterjet cutting eliminates the need for multiple cutting methods, centralizing production and reducing operating costs.

Waterjet Cutting Purposes

Waterjet cutting is used in a wide range of industries, highlighting its versatility and adaptability. Here are just a few examples of how waterjet cutting can revolutionize different industries.

• Aeronautics: precision cutting of aerospace components such as turbine blades, supports and fuselage panels
• Architecture: complex cutting of stone, marble and glass for customized architectural designs
• Automobile: efficient cutting of automotive parts, gaskets, instrument panels and interior components
• Electronics: delicate cutting of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and semiconductor materials
• Medical: precise cutting of surgical instruments, implants, prostheses and medical devices
• Manufacturing: cutting sheet metal, rubber gaskets, plastic components, etc.

Challenges and Considerations

Although waterjet cutting offers many benefits, it’s essential to be aware of some of its challenges.

• Initial Investment: Acquiring waterjet cutting equipment involves a significant initial investment. However, the long-term cost savings and numerous advantages outweigh the initial costs for companies with constant cutting requirements.
• Limited Cutting Speed: Compared to some high-speed cutting methods, waterjet cutting can have slower cutting speeds, depending on material and thickness. However, advances in pump technology and abrasive delivery systems continue to improve cutting speeds.
• Noise: The operation of waterjet cutting machines can be noisy, requiring appropriate noise reduction measures. 
• Water Disposal: Waste water must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations and environmental guidelines.

What abrasive to use for waterjet cutting?

Garnet is widely recognized as an excellent abrasive for waterjet cutting due to several advantages that make it a popular choice in the industry. 

Key Benefits of Garnet as an Abrasive 

• Durability (longer service life and lower operating costs)
• Constant particle size for uniform cutting
• Low dust generation
• Chemical stability (no reaction with most materials)
• Cost-effective
• Eco-friendly (natural mineral)
• Specially designed for waterjet cutting systems

Get your abrasive

Bellemare Abrasives & Minerals offers the best abrasives on the market. If you have any questions about waterjet cutting or would like to purchase your superior quality abrasive, contact a Groupe Bellemare expert!