Water Jets

Water Jets

Water jets, also known as water jet cutters or hydro-jet cutters, are industrial cutting tools that use a high-pressure stream of water to cut through materials. The water is typically pressurized to between 30,000 and 90,000 pounds per square inch (psi) and forced through a small orifice, which creates a high-velocity stream. This stream can be used to cut through a variety of materials, including metal, stone, glass, and plastic. The process of water jet cutting involves the use of a computer-controlled machine that directs the water jet to follow a specific cutting path. The machine typically uses a mixture of water and abrasive material, such as garnet, to increase the cutting power of the water jet. The abrasive material is added to the water stream before it is pressurized and forced through the orifice. Water jet cutting has several advantages over other cutting methods. It is a non-thermal cutting process, which means that it does not generate heat that can cause distortion or warping of the material being cut. It also produces a clean, precise cut with minimal kerf (the width of the cut). Additionally, water jet cutting is environmentally friendly, as it does not produce any hazardous waste or fumes. Despite its advantages, water jet cutting does have some limitations. It is not as fast as some other cutting methods, such as plasma cutting or laser cutting. It is also not as effective at cutting through very thick materials, as the water jet can lose some of its cutting power as it travels through the material.

industrial cutting, high-pressure stream, computer-controlled machine, non-thermal cutting, clean cut

— Jeffrey Johnson

CITATION : "Jeffrey Johnson. 'Water Jets.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/water-jets?E=313308 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"