Whether it is pure water or water with abrasive additives – water will cut a very wide range of materials

The water jet system is used in manufacturing for selected applications. One typical application is machining the contours of fibre composites, cutting felt-type insulation materials or components made of rigid foam. The process comes under the heading of cutting processes and under the sub- heading of vapour-blast cutting.

The function of a water jet system is based on the fact that energy is stored in the fluid, in this case water, in the form of pressure. This so-called active energy is then used as a jet of fluid directed at very high speed at the machining point. In principle all fluids which can be pumped can also be used for cutting. However, water has proved popular primarily as a result of its good physiological compatibility

Even more power: abrasive additives in the water jet

Solid particles can be added to the water jet in a water jet system. These abrasive additives increase the mechanical effect at the machining point. A distinction is made between a suspension jet and an injection jet. A suspension jet is a mixed jet which draws in the abrasive material using a nozzle and mixes it with water. For this purpose there is a tank containing additives in the water pressure system of the water jet system. The mixed jet is focused in the cutting nozzle. The main properties of the suspension jet include a relatively high energy density and a relatively wide cut. For example, reinforced concrete can be cut with a cutting depth of up to one metre and a cutting width of around three millimetres.

The injection jet is primarily used in manufacturing industry. The water jet system delivers a jet consisting of around ten percent water, one percent abrasives and air. This enables a relatively small jet diameter and therefore narrower cuts measuring around one millimetre to be achieved. The energy density is lower than that of the suspension jet.

The water jet system is made up of two main components, the pressure generator and the actual cutting system. Before the water gets to the cutting nozzle through a high pressure line, energy is added to it in the pressure intensifier. This energy is built up in the primary system using a reciprocating pump where an oil pressure of around 200 bar is achieved. An intensification piston converts the pressure into much higher water pressure in the secondary system. The intensification ratio is around 1:20.

We would be delighted to advise you about everything you need to know about water jet systems. Take advantage of our experience and expertise – we will find the perfect solution for your production requirements. Write to us at info@gkteso.de