Waterstralen

Waterstralen are jets of water expelled at high velocity through a nozzle. They are used for cleaning, surface preparation, cutting and other material processing tasks. The term is used in Dutch-speaking industries and refers to both non-abrasive and abrasive water jets.

A typical waterstralen system consists of a high-pressure pump or intensifier, a delivery line, a nozzle, and a control system. For abrasive waterjets, an abrasive feed and a mixing chamber are added to introduce hard particles such as garnet into the jet. Non-abrasive jets usually operate at lower pressures than abrasive jets.

Non-abrasive waterstralen are used to remove contaminants, paint, biofilms or rust, and to prepare surfaces for coatings. Abrasive waterjets mix abrasive material into the jet to cut or machine materials including metal, stone, glass and composites, with minimal heat generation and distortion in many cases.

Waterstralen have been developed since the mid- to late 20th century, with abrasive waterjet cutting emerging in the 1970s and becoming widely adopted in subsequent decades. Advantages include a non-thermal process, high precision, and the ability to produce complex shapes in a wide range of materials. Limitations include equipment cost, nozzle wear, substantial water and abrasive consumption, and the need for wastewater treatment. Safety concerns arise from the high pressure involved, requiring proper training, protective equipment, and containment.