How much does a CNC water jet cost?

CNC waterjet machines require an expensive Ultra High Pressure Intensifier pump, so they are going to range from at least $100,000 to as much as $350,000, depending on size and options. Finally, CNC laser machines are usually the most costly.

How much does a water jet cost?

Waterjet and Laser equipment cost typically starts at around $100,000+, making these systems by far the most expensive to purchase.

Can a water jet cut anything?

Waterjet machines cut all types of metals: hardened tool steel, aluminum, titanium, and a host of exotic metals that prove difficult to cut with other tools or processes. Cutting with a waterjet produces a smooth edge with no burn marks, cracking or excess burrs.

How fast does waterjet cut?

Computer-controlled waterjet and abrasivejet cutting are used today in industry to cut many soft and hard materials. The plain water-abrasive mixture leaves the nozzle at more than 900 mph. The latest machines can cut to within two thousandths of an inch, and have jet speeds around Mach 3.

How thick of material can a water jet cut?

Truly, a waterjet can cut up to any thickness, but tolerances will change the thicker the material being cut. Tight accuracies can be kept when cutting materials under 4 inches thick, a near net shape is achieved when cutting thicker materials.

What Cannot be cut by waterjet?

Among the very few materials that waterjets cannot cut are diamonds and tempered glass. Some composite materials (layers of different materials sandwiched together) can’t be cut because the water can seep between the layers and “delaminate” the material. Many composite materials cut just fine.

What can water jets not cut?

Semi-liquid materials: A water jet cannot cut through anything liquid or even semi-liquid, such as sand or cement slurry. The materials will simply blend back together after the water jet passes through because the liquid content is so high. Iron: Iron is too brittle for a water jet to cut an accurate profile.