CNC WATER JET CUTTING

What it is and how it works
CNC WATER JET CUTTING

The technical excellence of Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche

Water jet cutting is one of the most versatile and safest technologies offered by Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche, making it ideal for a wide range of applications without negatively impacting the environment or human health.

With over 30 years of experience, the company provides its customers with advanced expertise and state-of-the-art technology to manufacture high-precision mechanical components, ensuring effective and environmentally friendly solutions without toxic emissions or hazardous waste. Moreover, we are constantly committed to ensuring reliability, quality, and on-time delivery in every project. This dedication makes us the ideal partner for those seeking excellence in specialized machining.

WHAT IS CNC WATER JET CUTTING AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Water jet cutting, also known as waterjet machining, is a cold cutting process that enables the precision cutting of a wide range of materials using an ultra-high-pressure water jet. The water stream is directed at the workpiece at pressures reaching up to 6,200 bar, allowing for the cutting of materials up to 300 mm thick.

The cutting action is achieved through a continuous water flow, often mixed with an abrasive that enhances the erosive effect, breaking down the material. The result is similar to that of an abrasive disc, with the key advantages of no tool wear, minimal heat generation, and no burrs.

This versatile machining method is widely used in various industries.

CNC WATER JET CUTTer: KEY COMPONENTS

The cutting process in a CNC water jet cutter is not solely reliant on ultra-high water pressure—various critical components work together to ensure its effectiveness. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Ultra-high-pressure system
Pump – Delivers the water flow to the cutting head through high-strength metal tubing.
Cutting head – The cutting tool that receives ultra-high-pressure water from the intensifier pump.
Nozzle or focusing tube – Typically made of synthetic sapphire, it narrows the jet, increasing velocity and cutting precision.
Machine structure
Machine structure: Consists of the cutting head, material support table, and X, Y, Z axes.
CNC control system: Controls the multi-axis motorized system, including programming software, operator interface, drive motors, and feedback system for speed and position control.

CNC WATER JET CUTTING: TWO DIFFERENT JET TYPES

As previously mentioned, water jet cutting is used in various industries. The application of this process depends on the type of jet used, enabling the cutting of almost any material, regardless of thickness. Water jets are classified into:

pure water jet 

Used for cutting soft materials such as gaskets, polystyrene, plastics, insulation materials, and more. It is also widely applied in the food industry.

abrasive water jet 

Using a Venturi system, an abrasive material is added to the cutting head. When mixed with water, this high-velocity jet can cut hard materials such as metals, ceramics, stone, glass, and more. The most commonly used abrasive is Garnet.

MAIN MATERIALS PROCESSED WITH WATER JET CUTTING

main materials
Steels
Copper
Brass
Bronze
Titanium
Aluminum alloys
other materials
All types of glass
Plastic materials, including thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics
Natural stones, such as marble, granite, gres, and porcelain
Technical composite materials, such as carbon fiber, sponges, rubber, PVC, Kevlar, polyethylene, and wood

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CNC WATER JET CUTTING 

Currently, water jet cutting technology is considered the most versatile cutting process, as it can be applied to a vast range of materials and various mechanical machining operations.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS TECHNIQUE ARE NUMEROUS. SOME OF THE KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

No need for additional processing

No mechanical or thermal deformation 

High precision 

Exceptional versatility

CAD/CAM

Minimal material waste

REUSE

Given its versatility and efficiencyCNC water jet cutting is almost always the best solution. Additionally, it is an environmentally friendly process, as it does not release toxic fumes or hazardous waste, making it safe for both the environment and operators.

Despite its many benefits, water jet cutting does have some disadvantages,

THOUGH THEY ARE MINIMAL:

cost of machinery

wear

WHY CHOOSE STEEL LAVORAZIONI MECCANICHE FOR CNC WATER JET CUTTING? 

FULL SERVICE

The company offers a comprehensive service, built on extensive experience in CNC water jet cutting and mechanical processing

MULTI-SECTORAL APPROACH

Its diverse client portfolio has allowed the company to develop a multi-industry approach, gaining solid expertise in processing a wide variety of materials and building strong capabilities in producing high-performance components.

RELIABILITY AND PRECISION

Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche serves key industries such as aerospace, food processing, automation, packaging, recycling, and nuclear energy, ensuring:

Reliable and competitive lead times
Maximum quality and precision in every machining process
A fully tracked, controlled, and repeatable production system

The company is certified to meet the stringent standards required by the aerospace, military, and nuclear industries, guaranteeing top-tier quality and reliability.

All of this makes Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche a leading company in the industry and the ideal partner for any industrial business in need of specialized CNC water jet cutting services

WHERE EXCELLENCE IS NOT JUST A GOAL BUT A STANDARD.
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