Vattenjetskärning

Vattenjetskärning, also known as waterjet cutting, is a manufacturing process that uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through a variety of materials. This stream of water, often mixed with an abrasive substance, is propelled through a nozzle at extremely high velocities. The intense pressure and kinetic energy of the water jet erode the material, creating a precise cut.

The process can be used on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, composites, stone, and glass. Its versatility makes it suitable for applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and art. Unlike thermal cutting methods, waterjet cutting does not generate heat-affected zones, which preserves the material's integrity and properties. This is particularly advantageous for heat-sensitive materials.

The precision of waterjet cutting is very high, allowing for intricate shapes and tight tolerances. The width of the cut, known as the kerf, is minimal, reducing material waste. The process can also cut materials of varying thicknesses, from very thin sheets to several inches thick.

There are two main types of waterjet cutting: pure waterjet cutting and abrasive waterjet cutting. Pure waterjet cutting is typically used for softer materials like foams, rubbers, and some plastics. Abrasive waterjet cutting, which incorporates abrasive particles like garnet into the water stream, is used for harder materials such as metals and stone. Control systems, often computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), are used to guide the waterjet and create complex patterns with accuracy.