Benefits from Waterjet Cutting Technology

Waterjet Cutting Technology: The Power of Water

Cutting with Water Jets is a significant breakthrough in fabrication methods for architectural and industrial applications in Stone. Savings made in comparison to traditional cutting methods can be substantial, depending on the type of stone, the thickness and complexity of the cut. Waterjet cutting can have significant advantages over competing cutting methods and can cut through materials simply not possible by conventional stone cutting methods.

This is achieved by driving water up to 3 times the speed of sound through high pressure jets at pressures of up to 60,000PSI. These water jets can contain an abrasive substance, such as garnet which erode the material in a precise and targeted fashion. Jet cutters have no difficulty slicing though concrete, slate, marble, synthetic stone, graphite, or refractory materials. Water cutting has the ability of cutting items with sandwich structures or a combination of materials.

Tolerances are low due to high accuracy, at around 0.08mm, eliminating the need for a secondary process. Waterjet cutting can therefore be used to save production costs and reduce completion time by finishing projects in fewer steps. The fact that waterjet has no chemical impact or a high temperature gives greatly improved material yields and an elimination of thermal stresses.

Innovative process and efficient production

There are no resulting effects on the environment such as smoke or dust and most of the water used is recycled. Systems available are automated using precision cutting control software reducing required employee training time, operational accuracy and production duration.

Safe, clean and environmentally friendly, the Water jet cutting method generates no gases or vapours during the cutting process. Due to lower processing speeds no additional costs or reworking are incurred improving efficiency.

The majority of the used water in the jets is recycled and the abrasive cutting substance removed leaving no adverse effects on the environment and utilising the best possible efficiency.

Extensive experience, exclusive developments

Consistently on the forefront of the waterjet cutting industry, Wightman Stewart introduces the latest features that benefit manufacturers, fabricators, and many other industries using waterjet cutting in unique and innovative ways.

View our full range of waterjet cutting systems