What are the major factors that may influence water jet cutting

Waterjet cutting machine is widely used in the industry.This kind of equipment has a lot of excellent cutting characteristics,such as high precision and zero pollution.However,in the cutting process,some operators find that the cutting accuracy of waterjet cutting machine will appear slightly different.Many people mistakenly think it is the problem of the equipment itself.In fact,the cutting accuracy of CNC waterjet cutting machine is determined by many aspects and factors.

1.      Pressure and velocity. With the increase of water jet pressure,the water jet velocity increases.Then the impact pressure of jet acting on processing materials increases.Through scientific experiments,it is found that the increase of pressure can obviously improve the quality of cutting section. As the nozzle diameter increases, the cutting speed and depth will reduce. If the diameter of the nozzle is reduced under a certain pressure, the water jet near the nozzle will be atomized due to the entrainment of air,which will make it lose the cutting ability.

2.     Cutting head. A long enough pipe can ensure complete mixing of abrasive and compressed air, thereby forming a consistent and orderly cutting stream. Experience has concluded that the ideal pipe length should be 3-4 inches. It is very important to ensure the accurate connection and perfect cooperation of every spare parts of waterjet cutting machine,which can minimize the damage of high pressure water jet to consumable parts.It is worth noting that with the increase of nozzle diameter,the cutting depth decreases.However,when the nozzle diameter is reduced under a certain pressure,the water jet close to the nozzle will be atomized due to the entrainment of air, which will make it lose the cutting ability. Experience has concluded that the outlet diameter of the nozzle for waterjet cutting is recommended to be selected within 0.1～0.3mm. The proper distance between nozzle and the surface of the material will reduce the loss caused by the water jet when it passes through the air.It can maximize the cutting efficiency.Besides,if the distance water jet needs to pass through the air is too long,the water jet will be blocked and diffused.

3.      Mechanical properties of the processed materials are the main factors affecting the waterjet cutting speed. The experimental results and the analysis show that the tensile strength of the material has a great influence on the cutting process.

4.      Experiments prove that waterjet cutting machine with different abrasives can cut materials with different results.The maximum depth of the structural steel plate is cut by garnet and silicon carbide abrasive.At the same time,with the increase of abrasive flow rate,the crowded abrasive particles will cause interference between abrasive particles.So the effective number of impacts will decrease.There is usually an optional bearing capacity.When the abrasive flow rate is low,the cutting depth decreases.

Understand the factors that affect the waterjet cutting ,so as to truly experience the meaning of waterjet cutting machine and its powerful function.