FAQ'S - KMT Waterjet X-Y CUTTING MACHINES

Q: What is a waterjet cutting system? A: A waterjet cutting system has been recognized as the most versatile machine tool used to cut various materials by using a high-pressure stream of water up to 90,000psi.

Q: How does a waterjet cutting system work? A: It works by pressurizing water up to 90,000 psi using KMT Waterjet ultrahigh-pressure pumps and forcing compressed water through a small diamond or sapphire jewel orifice at the cutting head to create a high-velocity stream that cuts through materials. The stream of water can also be mixed with abrasive garnet mesh to improve the erosion process when cutting metals and thick materials.

Q: What kind of materials can a waterjet cutting system cut? A: It can cut a wide range of materials, including metals, glass, stone, ceramics, plastics, composites, as well as a variety of food including produce, baking goods and protein.

Q: What is the role of KMT Waterjet pumps in a waterjet cutting system? A: KMT pumps pressurize the water to extremely high levels, from 55,000psi to 90,000psi, which is necessary for the cutting process to rapidly cut through the materials for a finished cut without secondary finishing.

Q: What is the difference between XY and XYZ waterjet cutting tables? A: The primary difference between XY and XYZ waterjet cutting tables is the number of axes they can move. XY waterjet cutting tables move in two dimensions (left-right and forward-backward), suitable for flat material cutting. XYZ waterjet cutting tables add a third axis (up-down), allowing for more complex cuts and the ability to cut at different heights and angles.

Q: What are the benefits of using a waterjet cutting table over other cutting methods? A: Waterjet cutting tables offer several benefits over traditional cutting methods:

• No Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ): Waterjet cutting is a cold process, preventing thermal distortion and preserving material properties.
• Versatility: They can cut virtually any material with precision.
• Environmental Benefits: Waterjets produce no hazardous fumes or waste, making them environmentally friendly.
• Efficiency: They can cut through thick materials and complex shapes with ease.

Q: Why is high pressure important in a waterjet cutting system? A: High pressure is essential because it increases the water’s streaming velocity, giving it the power to cut through tough materials.

Q: What is the orifice in a waterjet cutting system? A: The diamond or sapphire orifice is a small opening (.005-.020in) diameter at the cutting head through which the pressurized water is forced to create a high-velocity cutting stream.

Q: Can waterjet cutting systems cut materials without heat? A: Yes, waterjet cutting is a cold cutting process, which means it does not produce heat-affected zones or thermal distortion in the materials.

Q: What are the advantages of using a waterjet cutting system? A: Advantages include precise cuts, no heat-affected zones, the ability to cut a variety of materials, no secondary finishing, and minimal waste.

Q: How precise are the cuts made by a waterjet cutting system? A: Waterjet cutting systems can achieve very high precision, often within a tolerance of ±0.003 inches.

Q: Is water the only medium used in waterjet cutting? A: While pure water is used for softer materials, abrasive garnet mesh minerals can be added to the water for cutting harder materials.

Q: What is abrasive waterjet cutting? A: Abrasive waterjet cutting involves adding abrasive particles to the water stream to enhance the cutting power for harder materials like metal and stone.

Q: How does abrasive waterjet cutting differ from pure waterjet cutting? A: Abrasive waterjet cutting uses a mixture of water and abrasive particles, while pure waterjet cutting uses only water. The abrasive particles help cut harder materials.

Q: What types of abrasive particles are used in waterjet cutting? A: Common abrasives include garnet, aluminum oxide, and silicon carbide.

Q: Are there any limitations to what a waterjet cutting system can cut? A: While waterjet cutting systems are versatile, they may not be suitable for materials that are extremely thick or have certain structural properties that resist cutting. KMT Waterjet, Baxter Springs, KS USA has a dedicated waterjet cutting laboratory including cutting 5-axis, taper control, and special equipment including a conveyor to waterjet cut food products. There is no charge to test cut your products. Contact us at sales@kmtwaterjet.com.

Q: How thick can materials be for effective cutting with a waterjet system? A: Waterjet systems can cut materials up to 17 inches thick, depending on the material and the specific system used.

Q: What industries commonly use waterjet cutting systems? A: Industries such as aerospace, agricultural, automotive, manufacturing, glass, packaging, construction, and food processors commonly use waterjet cutting systems.

Q: Is the water used in waterjet cutting systems recyclable? A: Yes, as an option, the water used in waterjet cutting systems can often be recycled and reused, reducing waste and operational costs.

Q: What maintenance is required for a waterjet cutting system? A: Regular maintenance includes checking and replacing the orifice, inspecting high-pressure lines, and ensuring the pumps are functioning correctly. KMT Waterjet offers a PM – preventive maintenance program to ensure your waterjet pump is running a peak performance with predictable maintenance schedule plan.

Q: How does waterjet cutting compare to laser cutting? A: Waterjet cutting does not produce heat-affected zones and can cut a wider variety of materials, while laser cutting can be faster and more precise for thinner materials.

Q: What safety precautions should be taken when using a waterjet cutting system? A: Safety precautions include wearing protective gear, ensuring proper training for operators, and maintaining the equipment to prevent high-pressure water leaks.