Abrasive water jet cutting
Waterjet cutting is a cold-cutting process using a high-pressure waterjet that separates material through mechanical erosion. It is suitable for temperature-sensitive materials.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
A water jet under extreme pressure is directed at the material and erodes it mechanically. This process is cold and causes no thermal effects.
Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding
Since water jet cutting is cold, no distortion or phase transformations occur. It is therefore particularly suitable for temperature-sensitive materials such as precious metals or plastics. However, fine mechanical erosion can cause slight surface damage if the pressure or time is too high.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
Use a water jet with a pressure of at least 30000 PSI (approx. 207 MPa) and a diameter of 0.5 to 1 mm for optimal results. Make sure not to direct the jet directly at the material surface to avoid excessive damage. The processing time depends on the desired depth and material thickness.