{"id":69760,"date":"2024-07-05T11:37:09","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T18:37:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/?p=69760"},"modified":"2024-07-11T13:48:40","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T20:48:40","slug":"water-jet-cutting-benefits-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/water-jet-cutting-benefits-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"The Basics of Water Jet Cutting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Water jet cutting<\/a> is an effective cold-cutting process that saves time and money. Learn the basics of water jet cutting and how it rises above other manufacturing processes<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Water<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Among the many manufacturing innovations of the 20th century, water jet cutting<\/a> remains one of the most significant advancements. In 1965, Dr. Norman Franz invented the first water jet cutting machine for the lumber industry. Six years later, the first commercial water jet cutting machine was installed at Alton Board Box Company to cut cardboard boxes. Almost a decade later, water jet cutting machines became commercially available. Since then, water jet cutting has diversified between many different industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water jet cutting is a computer numerical control (CNC) process of using the energy from high-speed water jets. Pressurized water, funneled through a narrow outlet, creates a mighty stream of water that can cut through paper, stone, and metal. Water jet cutting is extremely versatile and produces accurate and less abrasive edges than other manufacturing processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

How does it work?<\/h2>\n\n\n

For water to erode through an object, it would take millions of years. But, pressurize a stream of water at around 390 MPa (roughly 4,000 atmospheres), and it takes far less time. Pressurization is only half of the equation, though, as one would also need to feed the pressurized water through a small-bore nozzle. The nozzle is typically at or less than 0.1 mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The combination of ultra-high pressure and an ultra-fine nozzle creates water speeds three times the speed of sound. Naturally, water shooting at an object at the same approximate speed as an SR-71 Blackbird will cause some damage. So what could an engineer cut with a water jet? <\/p>\n\n\n

Water jet cutter applications<\/h2>\n\n\n

The list of water jet applications is endless and widespread. Water jets can cut through stone, tiles, glass, metal, food, composites, and plastics. Water jets are used to stencil-cut and mass produce metal parts in aerospace and automotive industries. Both industries require a high degree of accuracy, fitment, and durability, all of which can be achieved using water jet cutting techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n

The benefits of water jet cutting<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Benefits<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Water jet cutting stands out from other CNC machines because of it\u2019s precision and ability to produce smooth cut edges. Softer edges require less edge treatment after the initial cut because of their extreme precision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n