If you need online waterjet cutting services, Purge Plugs / Flowdynamics is one of the most capable and affordable sources and we can get the job done fast and correct. We have a wide variety of materials, and use state-of-the-art water jetting machines.  The team at Purge Plug is diligent and will follow all design specifications. We continually strive to improve and optimize our processes and maximize customer convenience. Just know we can custom make anything, and in most cases we have same day turnaround.   We are focused on quality and customer service.

Custom make anything, same day, with our water jet Machine.

How waterjet cutting works

Waterjet cutting is a process that produces shapes by cutting sheet material using a thin, high pressure stream of water containing abrasive particles.  The water jet is at very high pressure - typically 50,000 to 60,000 PSI and mixed with garnet abrasive. The sheet being cut is often submerged in a tank of water to reduce the resulting noise. The high pressure is created by a special pump designed for the purpose.

Advantages

Waterjet cutting is an economical way to cut 2D shapes in a very wide range of materials with no tooling costs. The unique process provides reasonably good edge quality, no burrs and usually eliminates the need for secondary finishing processes. Waterjets also generate no heat so the material edge is unaffected and there is no distortion. Creating custom part this way can cut single or multi-layer materials from as thin as .001" to as thick as several inches.  The process yields no poisonous gas when cutting plastics or rubber. No custom tooling is normally needed, making it economical for short and medium runs.

Shapes

Shapes possible include 2D shapes with cutouts of almost any complexity. Examples of parts that are often cut this way include: Enclosures, Brackets, Robot Parts, Washers, Front Panels, Sheet Metal Boxes, Motorcycle Parts, Auto Parts, mechanisms, chassis, etc.

Cost Reduction

Cost reduction options include reduction of total cut length, reduction in number of holes and cutouts and reduction of material hardness and thickness.

Materials

Almost any material, hard or soft, can be cut by waterjet: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Copper, Nylon, Steel, Acetal, Polycarbonate, Polystyrene, Fiberglass, Brass, Carbon fiber, PTFE, Titanium, ABS, PVC, Sterling Silver, Spring Steel,  Bronze, Rubber, Foam, Marble, Laminates, Gasket material, Granite. Ceramics, etc.

Very few materials are impractical including some types of glass and some types of wood.

Design Considerations

Edges are good but usually not as smooth as milling or punching.

Some spots along the edge, such as where the cut ends, may be less smooth.

The edges of the cut part generally have a dull finish.