Sheet Metal Service:
Waterjet Cutting
Parts in days anywhere in the USA.
Sheet Metal Waterjet Cutting offers:
- Repeatability
- High Dimensional Tolerances
- Custom Prototypes and End-Use Parts
Quality Matters | AS9100D Certified, ISO 9001:2015, & ITAR Registered
* Not all locations have the required certifications and registrations. We will manufacture parts that require these certifications at facilities that have them.
Our Digital Manufacturing Process is Simple.
Upload a CAD file and request a quote.
Our team will start production once we finalize the project details and you accept the quote.
When the part is complete, it passes through quality control.
After your part goes through quality control, our team ships the part(s) to you.
What is Sheet Metal Waterjet Cutting?
Sheet metal waterjet cutting is a precise cutting technology that uses a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive particles to cut through sheet metal materials. The process begins by pumping water at a pressure of up to 90,000 PSI through a small nozzle. Subsequently, the water stream is combined with an abrasive material such as garnet or aluminum oxide to enhance the cutting force. The mixture is directed at the sheet metal material using a computer-controlled cutting head. As a result, the high-speed stream of water and abrasive particles effectively cuts through the sheet metal material, delivering an accurate and high-quality cut. This method is widely employed in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and architecture, to produce complex shapes and designs with high precision and minimal material waste.
How does Sheet Metal Waterjet Cutting Work?
Waterjet cutting is a versatile and precise manufacturing process that employs a high-pressure stream of water to cut through various materials, including sheet metal. At Prototek Digital Manufacturing, we harness this advanced technology to deliver exceptional client results.
The waterjet cutting process begins with a pump pressuring water to an incredibly high degree, often exceeding 60,000 PSI. Subsequently, this pressurized water is forced through a small orifice, creating a thin, focused stream. Depending on the application, an abrasive material such as garnet can be added to the water stream to enhance its cutting power.
As the high-pressure water jet comes into contact with the sheet metal surface, it creates a clean, precise cut. The water stream can navigate intricate designs and contours, making waterjet cutting an ideal choice for complex parts and prototypes. Additionally, the process generates minimal heat, ensuring that the material properties of the sheet metal remain unaffected.
Advantages to Waterjet Cutting
Waterjet cutting technology has revolutionized the way products are designed and manufactured. The following are a few of the advantages of waterjet cutting:
- Precision - accurate and minimal kerf.
- Versatility - wide range of materials.
- No heat affected zone.
- Smooth edged- minimal post-processing.
Disadvantages to Waterjet Cutting
While there are a lot of advantages to waterjet cutting, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Higher operating costs - equipment and overhead.
- Slow cutting speeds - especially with thicker materials.
- Limited ability to cut hard materials (steel and ceramics).
Sheet Metal Waterjet Cutting at Prototek
OEM:
Flow
Lead Time:
1 – 15 Days
Max Dimensions:
60 x 120 in
Tolerances:
Linear Straightness | ± 0.0021 in
Repeatability | 0.0014 in
Material:
Aluminum, Copper, Stainless Steel, Titanium
Plastic Materials
Waterjet Cutting Materials
At Prototek Digital Manufacturing, we take pride in our state-of-the-art waterjet cutting capabilities. This advanced technology enables us to precisely and efficiently cut through a wide range of materials, providing endless possibilities for our clients. Our waterjet cutters can handle everything from tough metals like stainless steel, titanium, and Inconel to delicate materials like glass, stone, and ceramics. The sheer power of the waterjet, combined with our expert precision, ensures clean, burr-free edges and intricate, complex shapes. Furthermore, whether you need intricate parts for the aerospace industry, custom architectural elements, or specialized components for the automotive sector, our waterjet cutting services can bring your ideas to life with precision and efficiency. Therefore, contact us today to learn how we can use this versatile technology to enhance your next project.
Designing Parts for Waterjet Cutting
A few critical factors come into play when designing parts for waterjet cutting. Materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and various plastics are commonly cut using waterjet machines. Secondly, the design needs to be optimized for waterjet cutting, with square corners, minimal interior holes, and minimal piercings, as these features can affect the cut quality and accuracy. Thirdly, parts should be designed to minimize material wastage during cutting with nesting in mind. Lastly, it is essential to consider the thickness of the material, as this can affect the cutting speed and quality. By considering these factors and working with an experienced waterjet cutting provider, designers can create efficiently cut parts with the highest accuracy and quality.
| Feature | Recommended |
|---|---|
|
Fillets |
Necessary for smooth finishes |
|
Holes |
Size of hole ø < t Space between holes ≥ 2t Space from edge to hole ≥ t |
|
Kerf |
0.04 – 0.05 in The width of a cut resulting in the removal of material. Laser cutting results in the least amount of material being removed compared to waterjet and plasma cutting. |
ø (diameter) | in (inches) | ± (plus or minus) | > (greater than) | ≥ (greater than or equal to) | t (material thickness)
| Feature | Recommended |
|---|---|
|
Fillets |
Necessary for smooth finishes |
|
Holes |
Size of hole ø < t Space between holes ≥ 2t Space from edge to hole ≥ t |
|
Kerf |
1.02 – 1.27 mm The width of a cut resulting in the removal of material. Laser cutting results in the least amount of material being removed compared to waterjet and plasma cutting. |
ø (diameter) | mm (millimeter) | ± (plus or minus) | > (greater than) | ≥ (greater than or equal to) | t (material thickness)
Finishes for Sheet Metal
Waterjet cutting is an advanced manufacturing process that utilizes a high-pressure stream of water to precisely cut materials such as metal, plastic, stone, and glass. At Prototek Digital Manufacturing, we understand that the finishing process is crucial for adding aesthetic appeal and functionality to waterjet-cut parts. We offer many finishing options to meet our clients’ diverse needs. Our highly skilled team applies top-quality coatings, platings, and other treatments to ensure that each part meets the project’s specifications. Whether you desire a flawless polished finish, a sleek brushed surface, or a durable anodized coating, our expertise and attention to detail enable us to surpass your expectations and deliver exceptional results.
Prototek's
Other Sheet Metal and Fabrication Capabilities
Why choose Prototek for your next waterjet cutting project?
If you are looking for a reliable and experienced waterjet cutting service provider, Prototek is the perfect choice for your project. Our state-of-the-art facility and extensively trained professionals enable us to deliver the highest-quality precision cuts to our clients. We offer customized and cost-effective solutions to meet your requirements. Our waterjet cutting services are versatile, making them suitable for various industries, including aerospace, medical, defense, and more. We prioritize customer satisfaction and work tirelessly to deliver timely projects with precise cuts that meet client specifications. So, if you need high-quality, cost-effective precision cuts that meet your needs, choose Prototek for your waterjet cutting needs.
