The concept of waterjet cutting can be explained in three steps. The generating of pressure, the transition from pressure to velocity, and the introduction of garnet.
1. Generate Pressure
The high pressure pump generates a stream of water that is up to 94,000 PSI. In comparison, a firehouse generates anywhere between 390-1200 PSI. Our machines have the greatest pressure capacity of the existing waterjet machines in the industry.
2. Convert Pressure into Velocity
The tiny jewel orifice inside the machine converts pressure into velocity. This creates an extremely small stream of water, which by itself can cut through soft materials (pure waterjet cutting).
3. Introduce garnet
To increase the power of the waterjet stream and allow the machine through hard material, a garnet (sand) is added. The garnet is pulled into the waterjet stream and increases cutting power by 1,000X. This mixture of water and garnet exit the cutting head and cut through the selected material (abrasive waterjet cutting).
The original waterjet cutting process was first developed in the 1850's and since then it has evolved tremendously. While it's first main function was to excavate materials in coal mines, it is now utilized in almost every industry to offer precise cuts on varying material. It's latest improvement occurred in the 1980's when Mohamed Hasish, an engineer from Egypt developed the nozzle for abrasive waterjet cutting. This improvement in the machines technology expanded its uses further and made it a more versatile method of cutting.