How does it work?
Water is stored in a high pressure vessel/pump (30-90ksi). For reference, the Ultimate Strength of titanium is roughly 63ksi…
(1) The high pressure water enters the inlet.
(2) The jewel orifice concentrates and directs the flow through the nozzle.
(3) Abrasive particles (Aluminum Oxide) can be added to apply cleaner cuts to harder materials like steel or granite.
(4) The long nozzle allows for the abrasive particles to mix with the water.
Excess water is then collected, filtered, and recycled.
How is it used?
Older versions of the Waterjet Cutter ran with G-Code (1960’s). Accuracy of the cut directly depends on speed of the nozzle flow, as well as angle at which the flow hits the surface. In the 1990’s OMAX Corp. developed and integrated motion control systems for the waterjet. Inputs include position of the nozzle, as well as speed of the stream. Thus, robotic waterjet systems were being made, and 5-axis waterjet cutting was born.
When/Where is it Used?
Definitely an Industrial tool primarily used for mass cutting of hard metals.
Can Cut: Basically everything as long as the Pressure is High Enough.
Used in Miningand Aerospace, and the Food Industry!Mostly for cutting meats, and baking, as clean water being eliminates cross-contamination.
Pros/Cons
Pros:
– Very versatile. Flow diameter can be as small as 0.003in (literally hairline!) for the waterjet, and 0.04in for the abrasive waterjet.
- QuintaxialCutting! Allows for all sorts of cool intricate designs
- Can be used to cut through 6in of metals and 18in of other materials.
- NO heat stress, NO harmful byproducts, and can cut through virtually anything.
Cons:
– Need a moderate amount of water. Uses 0.5-1gal per minute. Very expensive. – Price ranges from $2k –$300k
Where can we use one?
Carnegie Mellon’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC). Located by the Allegheny River, it’s only a 30 minute bus ride from campus.
Open to use by Graduate Students, staff, and licensed engineers of the Robotics Institute. Sadly, not us 🙁
Resources:
Waterjet Cutting in Action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCsoC3i7JYc
Sources:
