The Accuracy and Advantages of 5-Axis Waterjet Cutting

By January 5, 2018Articles

Blow Molding Requires Precision Molds to Assure the Highest Standards of Quality

Waterjet Cutting ProcessWhen performing some type of do-it-yourself home renovation project, many people have undoubtedly been frustrated by an inability to cut or shape their construction materials with a sufficient degree of accuracy; crown molding that does not meet precisely at a 90O angle, floor tiles that chip while being cut to size, and interlocking brickwork that will not properly interlock are just a few the countless examples that might have immediately come to mind.  Consequently, while those jobs were still completed, they were likely not to the desired level of satisfaction.

Imagine then, the challenges faced by companies in the manufacturing industry, where the need for precision is not only non-negotiable from the perspectives of competitiveness, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction, but must also be sustained on a repeatable basis; and this becomes further magnified if the parts or products are being made from heat-sensitive or delicate materials and/or entail intricate cuts, angles, or shapes.

This is where waterjet cutting technology can be a particularly beneficial industrial process.

The application of waterjet cutting technology involves the use of a thin, highly-pressurized stream of water to cut parts, shapes, or components with a substantial degree of accuracy.  The pressure of that stream, or waterjet, is created by a specially-designed pump that can achieve levels ranging from 50,000 to 90,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), sufficient to cut thick and/or hard metals/materials; in some cases, an abrasive substance may be added to the waterjet to aid in the cutting process, especially if it is being performed on material that is softer in nature, such as rubber or wood.

Furthermore, unlike various other forms of machining technology, waterjet cutting is carried out in the absence of heat; thus, along with creating cuts and angles with a high degree of exactness or accuracy on a repeatable basis, this process also protects the material against exposure to high temperatures that can adversely affect its physical structure or properties. And for good measure, the waterjet cutting process can be performed while the material is submerged in a tank of water, hence significantly reducing the amount of noise that can be produced by this type of technology.

To summarize, there are several cost efficiencies and other production-related benefits that can be derived from waterjet cutting; these can include:

  • Producing extremely high accuracy rates and high rates of repeatability
  • No need for custom tooling, a practical option for limited production runs
  • The flexibility and capability to cut a single-layer or multi-layered material
  • Edge quality is good, minimizing/eliminating the need for secondary finishing
  • Cutting in the absence of heat protects the cut edges from damage/distortion
  • Operator safety i.e. noise reduction and less airborne dust, smoke, and fumes
  • Effective utilization of resources – water and abrasive material can be recycled

Capitalizing on these efficiencies and benefits for optimal return depends on how effectively the waterjet cutting process is implemented as well as the precision/accuracy of its output; consequently, manufacturers within and outside of the Greater Toronto Area can confidently rely on Noble Precision for their waterjet cutting needs.

5-Axis Waterjet Cutting to Highly-Complex Levels with Several Types of Materials

5-Axis Waterjet CuttingNoble Precision has made a significant investment in state-of-the-art 5-axis waterjet cutting technology, and the latest in associated CAD/CAM software, to provide clients with accurate and clean-edged cutting of complex parts and components from a wide variety of materials. In essence, 5-axis waterjet cutting technology allows more detailed cuts to be made than traditional three-dimensional methods (x, y, and z axes) via a synchronized or simultaneous movement around two rotational axes as well (a and b planes).

As a result, 5-axis waterjet cutting can be used to make cuts, contours, bevels, chamfers, etc. with almost any level of intricacy and to various widths and depths.  While the majority of the above cutting actions are applied to sheet metal, the 5-axis machining capabilities of Noble Precision can provide waterjet cutting for several other types of materials, including:

  • Titanium
  • Aluminum
  • Copper Alloys
  • Steel; Stainless Steel
  • Marble, Granite, Ceramics
  • Plastics, Rubbers, Foam, Composites

For further insight on Noble Precision’s 5-axis waterjet cutting technology and capabilities, please go to our water jet cutting services Page.

For highly-accurate waterjet cutting to satisfy your precise needs and specifications, call the experienced precision manufacturing specialists at Noble Precision at 647-499-7569 today or contact us to request a complimentary discussion.  

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