Veejoalõikamine

Veejoalõikamine, also known as waterjet cutting, is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through various materials. This stream, often mixed with an abrasive material, can cut through metals, plastics, stone, glass, and composites. The water is pressurized to extremely high levels, typically between 30,000 and 60,000 psi, and then forced through a small nozzle, creating a coherent jet.

The abrasive material, usually garnet, is added to the water stream for cutting harder materials. This mixture erodes the material as it passes through. For softer materials like foam or rubber, a pure water jet without abrasives can be used. The precision of the cut is determined by factors such as water pressure, nozzle size, cutting speed, and the type and amount of abrasive used.

Veejoalõikamine offers several advantages. It is a cold cutting process, meaning it does not generate heat-affected zones in the material, which is crucial for materials sensitive to heat. It also produces a smooth edge, often eliminating the need for secondary finishing operations. The process is environmentally friendly as it primarily uses water and natural abrasives, and the waste material is often recyclable. Its versatility allows for complex shapes and intricate designs to be cut with high accuracy.