Water Jet Cutting (WJC)

What does WJC stand for?

Water Jet Cutting.

How does WJC remove material?

A fine high pressure, high velocity stream of water is directed at the work surface

What is the approximate WJC nozzle diameter range?

About 0.004 to 0.016 in.

What pressure can be used in WJC?

Up to approximately 400 MPa.

What jet velocity can WJC reach?

Up to approximately 900 m/s.

How is the water pressurized in WJC?

Using a hydraulic pump.

Why is a filtration system needed in WJC?

To separate chips produced during cutting.

What are the four important WJC process parameters?

Standoff distance, nozzle opening diameter, water pressure, and cutting feed rate.

What is standoff distance?

The separation between the nozzle opening and the work surface.

Why should WJC standoff distance be small?

To minimize spreading of the water stream before it reaches the surface.

What is a typical WJC standoff distance?

Approximately 0.125 in.

How does nozzle diameter affect WJC?

Smaller openings produce finer cuts in thinner materials; thicker stock requires thicker jets and higher pressure.

What is cutting feed rate in WJC?

The velocity at which the nozzle moves along the cutting path.

What materials are commonly cut using WJC?

Plastic, textiles, composites, floor tile, carpet, leather, and cardboard.

What is a major limitation of plain WJC?

It is not suitable for brittle materials such as glass because they may crack.