Vesileikkurit

Vesileikkurit, also known as waterjet cutters, are industrial machines that use a high-pressure stream of water to cut through a wide variety of materials. This stream of water can be pure or mixed with an abrasive substance. The process is a form of erosion, where the powerful water jet erodes the material it comes into contact with.

The technology behind vesileikkurit is quite sophisticated. Water is pumped to extremely high pressures, typically between 20,000 and 60,000 psi, and then forced through a tiny orifice. This orifice, often made of diamond or sapphire, creates a very thin, focused stream of water. For cutting harder materials, an abrasive material like garnet is added to the water stream just before it exits the nozzle. This abrasive enhances the cutting power.

Vesileikkurit are valued for their versatility and precision. They can cut through materials that are difficult or impossible to cut with traditional methods, such as metals, stone, glass, composites, and plastics. The cutting process is considered "cold," meaning it does not generate significant heat, which prevents thermal distortion or damage to the material being cut. This makes them ideal for applications where material integrity is crucial.

The applications of vesileikkurit are diverse, spanning industries like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, construction, and art. They are used for creating intricate shapes, precise components, and even for demolition and surface preparation. The ability to cut complex geometries with minimal waste is a significant advantage. Maintenance of the nozzle and abrasive delivery system is important for optimal performance.