A pure waterjet cutter is a type of waterjet cutting machine that uses only HP water to cut materials. Unlike abrasive waterjet cutters, which use a combination of water and abrasive particles to cut materials, pure waterjet cutters rely solely on the force of the water to cut through the material. In this article, we will delve deeper into what a pure waterjet cutter is, how it works, and what materials it can cut. 

How does a pure waterjet cutter work? A pure waterjet cutter works by forcing a high-pressure stream of water through a small orifice, typically made of diamond or sapphire, which creates a fine, high-velocity jet. The water is pressurized to levels ranging from 30,000 to 90,000 pounds per square inch (psi), which is what gives it the cutting power to slice through a variety of materials. When the waterjet stream hits the material being cut, it creates a shearing force that separates the material along the cut line. The waterjet stream is typically moved across the material using a computer-controlled system, which allows for precise and accurate cutting. 

What materials can a pure waterjet cutter cut? Pure waterjet cutting is a good cutting method that can be used to cut a wide range of materials. Some of the materials that can be cut with a pure waterjet cutter include: Soft materials: Pure waterjet cutting is particularly well-suited for cutting soft materials such as foam, rubber,and gaskets. These materials can be easily deformed or damaged by other cutting methods, but pure waterjet cutting provides a clean and precise cut without causing any deformation. Non-metallic materials: Pure waterjet cutting can cut a variety of non-metallic materials, including plastics, composites, ceramics, and glass. 

These materials may be difficult to cut with other methods due to their hardness, brittleness, or other properties, but pure waterjet cutting can provide a precise and clean cut without causing any damage. Food products: Pure waterjet cutting can be used to cut various food products, such as vegetables, fruits, and meats. This method is very useful in the food industry, where precision and hygiene are important. Paper and textiles: Pure waterjet cutting can cut paper and textiles without leaving any frayed edges or loose threads, making it an ideal cutting method for these materials. Laminates and foils: Pure waterjet cutting is an effective method for cutting laminates and foils, which can be difficult to cut with other methods due to their thinness and flexibility. It is important to note that while pure waterjet cutting can cut a wide range of materials, there are some materials that may not be suitable for this method. 

For example, pure waterjet cutting may not be effective for cutting materials that are highly reflective, such as certain metals, as the reflective surface can deflect the waterjet stream and reduce cutting efficiency. 

Advantages of pure waterjet cutting 

No heat-affected zone: Because pure waterjet cutting does not use heat, there is no HAZ on the material being cut. This is particularly important for cutting materials that are sensitive to heat, such as plastics, composites, and some metals. No burrs or distortions: Pure waterjet cutting produces a clean, precise cut without any burrs or distortions. This eliminates the need for extra finishing or polishing, which can save time and money. 

Versatility: Pure waterjet cutting can cut a wide range of materials, including soft materials, non-metallic materials, laminates, and foils. This makes it a perfect cutting method that can be used in a variety of industries. 

Accuracy and precision: Pure water jet cutting is a highly accurate and precise cutting method. The computer-controlled system used to move the waterjet stream allows for precise cuts and can cut complex shapes and designs. 

Environmentally friendly: Pure waterjet cutting is an environmentally friendly cutting method. It does not produce any hazardous waste or emissions, and the water used in the cutting process can be recycled. 

Disadvantages of pure waterjet cutting Limited cutting depth: Pure waterjet cutting is typically limited to cutting materials that are less than 4 inches thick. This can be a limitation for some applications that require more thick materials to be cut. 

Cutting speed: Pure waterjet cutting maynot be as fast as other cutting methods, particularly when cutting thicker materials. This can result in longer cutting times and may limit the production capacity of a manufacturing facility. 

Cost: Pure waterjet cutting machines can be expensive to purchase and operate, making this cutting method more costly than some other cutting methods. Maintenance: Pure waterjet cutting machines require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, including maintenance of the high-pressure pump, cutting head, and other components. This can add to the overall cost of operating a pure water jet cutting machine. 

Water usage: Pure waterjet cutting uses a significant amount of water, which can be a concern in areas with water scarcity or where wastewater treatment is a concern. In conclusion, pure waterjet cutting is a versatile and effective cutting method that can be used to cut a wide range of materials. It offers several advantages, including precision, accuracy, and versatility, and it is an environmentally friendly cutting method. 

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider, including limited cutting depth, cutting speed, cost, maintenance requirements, and water usage. whether pure waterjet cutting is the best cutting method for a special application will depend on the specific needs and requirements of that application.