Complete Guide to Waterjet Cutting: Technology, Applications and Maintenance
Everything about high-pressure waterjet cutting: how it works, materials it can cut, preventive maintenance and essential spare parts for your waterjet machine.
What is waterjet cutting?
Waterjet cutting is a machining process that uses a jet of water at pressures up to 94,000 PSI (6,480 bar) to cut virtually any material. When abrasive (typically garnet) is added, cutting capability multiplies, enabling work with metals, stone, glass, and composite materials.
Advantages of waterjet cutting
- No heat-affected zone (HAZ): as a cold process, it doesn't alter material properties
- Versatility: cuts any material without changing tools
- Precision: tolerances of ±0.1mm on standard parts
- No residual stress: ideal for parts requiring dimensional stability
- Eco-friendly: produces no toxic gases or hazardous waste
Key components of a waterjet machine
High-pressure pump
The heart of the system. Intensifier pumps operate at 60,000-94,000 PSI and require regular maintenance of seals and check valves.
Cutting head
Includes the water nozzle (diamond or sapphire orifice), mixing chamber, and focusing tube. These are consumables that must be replaced periodically.
Essential spare parts
At Herramentalia, we stock over 200 waterjet spare part references compatible with major brands: KMT, Flow, OMAX, Jet Edge, and BFT. From high-pressure seals to elbows, mixing tubes, and valves, with fast delivery across the EU.