Waterjet cutting
Waterjet cutting, also referred to as water cutting, is a technology that uses water to cut through materials. Computer-driven waterjet cutting machines make use of a very powerful waterjet with a water pressure of 4000 bar. Adding fine sand as an abrasive to this waterjet makes the machine so powerful that it can cut right through hard materials.
We have both 2D and 3D waterjet machines. 3D waterjet cutters offer even more possibilities than the well-known 2D straight cutter. Combined with smart software and an intelligent cutting head that moves in any direction, we can offer the capability of cutting complex shapes with precision and efficiency.
Almost all materials can be cut
Waterjet cutting is suitable for almost any material. For example, the following materials can be water cut:
- Metals (such as stainless steel, copper, steel, titanium)
- Plastics
- Stone (such as granite, marble, natural stone)
- Glass
- Wood
- Rubber
- Concrete
Waterjet cutting does not generate heat. For this reason, waterjet cutting is ideal for processing heat-sensitive materials. Materials that cannot be cut with a waterjet cutter are tempered glass and materials that form a reaction with water. Wondering if we can water cut a specific material? Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to check with you to see if we can be of service.
Benefits of waterjet cutting:
- Avoidance of distortion in the cutting area;
- High precision up to 0.03 mm;
- Suitable for all materials and fine contours;
- Rapid prototyping;
- Flexible production;
- Optimal material use;
- Retention of material properties because no heat is introduced.
We also offer any finishing treatments such as turning, milling, drilling, welding and bending. This way you do not have to process the material afterwards and you can use the end result immediately for the desired application.
2D or 3D waterjet cutting
Because we have both a 2D and a 3D water cutter, we are able to cut almost any shape. We use the 2D water cutter to cut sheet metal, while the 3D cutter can be used to cut three-dimensional shapes. Normally, several operations must be performed to obtain a three-dimensional shape, but this is not the case with waterjet cutting. The cutting head of our waterjet can rotate 360°, which enables the machine to cut out a complex shape with only one operation.
How does water cutting work?
Water cutting is basically the same as erosion, but vastly accelerated and caused by a machine. Waterjet cutting can also be compared to the way water works its way through rock over the years. In principle, there is no real cutting involved, but the material is rubbed away. The force with which the water jet leaves the cutting machine ensures that the material can be processed so quickly. This hard jet is created because the water is under high pressure thanks to a pump. Then the water is forced through a small opening. That opening is made of diamond, sapphire or ruby, because these materials are highly resistant to wear.
About our water cutter
Our water cutter has a cutting width of approximately 0.7 millimeters. We can cut materials with a thickness of up to 15 centimeters. With a cutting range of 4000 to 2000 millimeters, we are also able to cut even relatively large objects and parts. Our cutting table has a load-bearing capacity of 800 to 3000 kg/m², which enables us to process even the heaviest materials. Are you curious about the specifications of our waterjet? Then we recommend you to download our brochure.
When is waterjet cutting interesting?
Waterjet cutting can be of interest to any company with a demand for customized materials. With our waterjet cutter, we provide customized parts for companies in many different industries, including the following sectors:
- Aviation;
- Offshore;
- Chemical industry;
- Steel and metal industry;
- Food industry;
- Manufacturing;
- Agriculture and horticulture;
- Construction and building materials industry;
- Shipbuilding
Waterjet cutting is a modern technique where relatively little material is lost. The cuts made with the waterjet are thin and the results are very consistent. Once the computer is set, the waterjet cutting machine is capable of cutting multiple similar materials. Waterjet cutting is the perfect technique when quality must be delivered, but is also very cost efficient.
Does your company use parts or objects with complex shapes that normally require several operations? In this case it may be interesting to find out whether waterjet cutting is a cheaper and/or better alternative.
Outsource waterjet cutting to Botau
Water cutting is a complex technique for which you need professional machines. At Botau we are in possession of a modern water cutting machine. We are happy to use our machines and expertise to provide you with the required material. Have you come to the conclusion that water cutting is interesting for your company? Then we would like to talk to you!
Would you like to know more about our water cutting possibilities? Please feel free to contact us for an informal talk. We will be happy to tell you more about waterjet cutting and the possibilities this technique offers you.
Want to find out what waterjet cutting could mean for your business? We are happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
Bert den Boer
Director Engineering
a.den.boer@botau.nl
+31182 634047
+31 638531339
