New high-tech methods of processing materials are often based on the principles of natural phenomena. Hydroabrasive technique is just one of those, repeating the process of erosion. Its essence is the effect of the aqueous medium on the surface of the material. Of course, for the manufacturing sector, this technology has been optimized, for example, by combining liquid with foreign elements. In addition, waterjet cutting of metal involves the flow of a jet under strong pressure, resulting in a high processing speed.
Features of the technological process
As already noted, the technology is based on the principle of natural erosion. That is, the physical impact on the processed material occurs due to the high-speed jet mixed with hard abrasives. During the operation, the high-speed flow of solid-phase elements performs separation and entrainment from the place of processing of small metal particles. The efficiency with which hydroabrasive cutting of metal occurs depends on many parameters of the organization of this process. For example, the composition of the jet, the flow rate and the pressure force are important. Abrasive material also deserves special attention - specialists select a fraction in accordance with the requirements for the cutting characteristics.
Unlike other processing methods, this technique does not involve deforming and thermal effects. This means that waterjet cutting of metal allows you to maintain the initial physical and mechanical qualities of the workpiece. But to achieve the expected result, it is necessary to use special equipment.
Cutting equipment
Usually, special installations are used to perform such operations. The basis of their support are stainless steel support. Quick-change ribs are used to maintain the workpieces, which also protect the supports from the action of the working jet. In order to protect the working area from dust and noise, the machine is also equipped with a quick water control mechanism. That is, during the operation, the processed material can be completely in the aquatic environment. As for operational capabilities, the waterjet cutting machine makes it possible to cope with stainless steel up to 200 mm thick. It is noteworthy that the hardness indices of the material for machine tools of this type do not matter. A thin high-speed jet with a diameter of 1 mm is able to perform sharp cutting with high tolerance.
Assistive devices
In order to increase the accuracy of cutting, some machine models are also provided with positioning devices. They are represented by inductive linear sensors, with which the operator can achieve increased accuracy of fixation. True, a lot depends on the execution of the movement axes - in the best models, the combination of guides and positioning sensors is complemented by a smooth ride and optimal speed. Also, the installation of waterjet cutting of metal can be equipped with a tank for abrasive. In the process, it automatically replenishes the reserves of this component, focusing on the information of control sensors.
Manual cutting machines
Typically, this category of machines includes non-CNC models. In other words, the management of the workflow is to some extent transferred to the operator. The do-it-yourself user must set the angle of inclination of the cutting, and in some cases, fix the position of the functional installation. But subject to the observance of the operating rules in this case, one can also count on the high accuracy with which hydroabrasive metal cutting will be performed. Equipment without software is equipped with the same technical units as more advanced models. Therefore, theoretically, the quality of execution should be maintained at the optimal level. Moreover, in some situations, self-tuning and control of cutting can achieve higher processing results.
DIY cutting technique
Manual control of the cutting process provides that the user will independently feed the workpieces and control their movement with positioning. Also, in some cases, the list of operator tasks includes regulation of the cooling system. In practice, do-it-yourself waterjet cutting of metal is done through special buttons. For example, for positioning, the operator must enter several values in the coordinates. But even manual control is not completely relieved of control by the electronic system. So, when entering erroneous data, the technician returns the values of the performance indicators to their original position.
Pros and Cons of Technology
The advantages of cutting of this type include the clarity of the cutting line, the ability to cope with almost any metal, as well as the explosion and fire safety of the operation. Among the disadvantages of such processing, a low speed is noted when working with sheet steel, a low level of wear resistance of functional elements and the high cost of consumables, that is, an abrasive. Nevertheless, the technology economically pays off. For example, services of waterjet cutting of metal allow to cope with responsible operations in the preparation of material for subsequent installation. Moreover, sandwich panels, honeycomb sheets and other cellular building materials can only be cut in this way. To increase productivity, many companies also practice batch cutting, which saves time.
Conclusion
The cutting qualities of abrasive materials have long been used in various fields. On a similar principle, in particular, a sandblasting tool works, which allows for high-quality and quick grinding of surfaces. In turn, waterjet cutting of metal provides a high-quality result in working with different sheets and structures. In addition to the accuracy of cutting performance, one can note the absence of harmful processes that accompany traditional processing methods. In particular, thermal and mechanical influences only in rare cases allow dispensing with the deformation of the zone surrounding the cutting site. But to pay for the high-quality result of waterjet processing has high costs for consumables - the more effective the abrasive, the higher its price.