The introduction of the waterjet cold-cutting process has made the cutting of plastic materials significantly more efficient. This technique promises precise and accurate results while maintaining the structural integrity of the material.

However, which type of plastic material is best suited for cutting with a water jet? What level of cut quality can we expect? And, what best practices and precautions should be followed to ensure the best possible final product?

In this guide, we will provide answers to all of these questions and more. So, stay tuned!

Can A Water Jet Cut Plastic?

The cold cutting technology used by the water jet makes it an incredibly versatile tool that can effectively cut any material, including plastic. In fact, when compared to other methods such as laser cutting, waterjet proves to be one of the best and most efficient methods available.

Furthermore, the process of water jet cutting plastic does not create heat-affected zones (HAS), which eliminates the risk of melting or causing any other adverse effects. Instead, a thin stream of water is used to cut the plastic into almost any shape desired.

How Does Water Jet Cutting Plastic Work?

Waterjet is a non-thermal cutting technique that does not involve the use of heat and instead relies on a high-pressure water stream to erode and cut the plastic material.

The force of the water flow is powerful enough to produce the destructive force required to create clean and smooth cuts upon contact with the material.

The water pressure used in this process is definitely not what we experience every day. Instead, powerful pumps that are often linear intensifiers are used to generate pressures that can exceed 90,000 psi.

After pressurization, the water stream is concentrated using a small orifice and directed to the material that needs to be cut.

When it comes to cutting plastic, pure waterjet cutting machines are the most suitable option, as they can easily cut it without the need for abrasive up to a certain thickness.

The most notable advantage of this cutting technique is that it reduces abrasive costs, which typically account for 70% of the total operating cost of a waterjet.

What is the Cut Quality Of Waterjet Cutting Plastic?

Waterjet technology offers a significantly higher quality cut than traditional methods. Unlike heat-based techniques that can result in melting or toxic fumes, waterjet cutting produces a smooth edge and does not leave behind burrs or cracks in the final product.

Moreover, waterjet technology maintains the physical properties of your plastic pieces and does not compromise their tensile strength. This further enhances cut quality and ensures the accurate cutting of complex shapes with tight tolerances.

What Types Of Plastic Can Be Cut With A Water Jet

Thanks to the non-thermal and cold-cutting process of the waterjet, you can cut almost any type of plastic. Following are some great examples of commonly cut plastics using water jet technology:

• Polyethylene (PE) – All Densities
• Polycarbonates (PC)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Polystyrene (PS)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
• Polyoxymethylene (POM)
• And any other…

Applications Of Water Jet Cutting Plastic

The impressive ability of waterjet machines to easily cut through plastic and many other materials gives them a significant edge as a versatile, value-adding tool.

Their versatility makes them an essential tool in any machine shop. Here are some examples of how waterjet cutting technology is used to cut plastics in various industries:

Automotive

Plastic is widely used in the automotive industry due to its durability and corrosion resistance. It is used in car parts like dashboards, bumpers, seats and doors. Waterjet technology makes cutting these parts fast and easy with the added benefits of tight tolerances and a smooth surface finish.

Budowa

Plastic material is used everywhere in the construction industry for various purposes. However, cutting plastic into perfect shapes can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, waterjet technology provides a reliable solution for precise plastic cutting with no risk of warping or distortion.

Opakowanie

The production of plastic packaging items such as bottles, trays and boxes usually involves the use of water jet cutting. This non-contact approach enables these items to be cut in large quantities while maintaining high hygiene standards. Plus, the process generates no heat or stress.

Meble

Waterjet is a game-changer technology for the furniture industry. It enables the precise cutting of complex shapes and patterns in plastic, while also reducing costs. Whether dealing with chairs or tables, waterjet makes the handling of large-sized furniture items easy and mess-free.

Baby Toys

Baby toys come in different shapes and sizes, with varying levels of thickness. Waterjet cutting technology is often used in the baby products industry to cut a range of products such as sippy cups, toys, and other baby items. The final products have a clean and smooth finish.

Obudowy komputerów

Thanks to waterjet multi-axis cutting capabilities, plastic computer casings and peripheral bodies can be cut into complex 3D shapes. The resulting parts have smooth edges and fit accurately with ease. Plus, multiple sheets can be stacked together for simultaneous cutting.

Advantages Of Water Jet Cutting Plastic

Waterjet is a safer and more efficient cutting process than traditional methods such as plasma and laser. Its versatility and cold-cutting process make it particularly suitable for cutting plastics. Here are some of the major advantages of waterjet when working with plastics:

Wszechstronność/elastyczność

Waterjet cutting is a manufacturing process that involves the use of a high-pressure stream of water to cut almost any material.

The main advantage of water jet cutting is that there are no restrictions on the type of plastic or the maximum thickness of plastic that can be cut. This technique can easily cut up to 12 inches of plastic material.

Increased Productivity

Pure waterjet cutting is a fast and efficient way to cut plastic materials. It enables you to stack multiple sheets of plastic on top of each other and cut them simultaneously with great precision.

Additionally, waterjet-cut parts require little or no edge treatment or secondary finishing, which further improves the productivity of your workshop.

Bez udziału ciepła

Waterjet cutting is popular among manufacturers because it is a cold-cutting process. This means it does not generate heat, which can distort or melt the plastic material – unlike other methods.

Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut entirely through the plastic. As a result, the material retains its original shape and properties.

Przyjazny dla środowiska

Heat-based methods such as laser and plasma cutting have a higher risk of producing toxic and hazardous fumes. Additionally, the dust and sparks generated by these techniques can also be hazardous.

In comparison, water jet cutting is an environmentally friendly process that does not produce smoke, dust or sparks. It’s safe and sustainable.

Najwyższa jakość krawędzi

The exceptional cutting accuracy of ±0.1 to ±0.2mm offered by waterjet cutting results in superior edge quality and consistent high-quality product finishing.

In fact, secondary finishing is often unnecessary as a result of the absence of heat zones that can damage the material. Additionally, waterjet cutting reduces kerf width, which reduces material loss and waste.

Tips And Precautions For Water Jet Cutting Plastic

Although waterjet machines are safe and easy to operate, there are a few tips and precautions to keep in mind when using them to cut plastic.

Following these measures can help you significantly increase the efficiency and quality of your water jet cutting plastic projects.

1- Cleaning the Machine:

After each operation, the waterjet machine becomes dirty due to the mixture of water and plastic particles that accumulate inside it.

Fortunately, waterjet systems incorporate a mesh that collects these bits of plastic while allowing clean water to pass through.

To maintain the best results and the performance of the machine, cleaning the mesh regularly is very important.

2- Running a Test:

When working with complex shapes or when stacking multiple sheets, it is always advisable to make a test cut before starting the actual cutting process.

By doing this, you can make the necessary adjustments to various parameters or identify any issues ahead. This can help you avoid material waste and ensure that your final product meets the required specifications.

3- Adjusting the Speed:

When using the waterjet machine, the high speed can result in faster plastic cutting and enhanced productivity, but it can also reduce the quality of the cut.

On the other hand, lower speeds may provide better quality but take longer to cut the plastic. Depending on your preferences, be it quantity or quality, you should adjust the speed or pressure of the waterjet accordingly.

4- Stacking Multiple Sheets:

While stacking multiple sheets for cutting together may seem like a great way to improve your workshop productivity, it may not always be possible, especially if the sheets have different cutting requirements.

Also, it’s important to review the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the machine’s maximum thickness capacity to ensure you stack the sheets accordingly.

5- Choosing Edge Quality:

The waterjet cutting process offers a variety of plastic edge quality options to meet your specific needs. Waterjet edge quality levels range from 1 to 5, with level 5 providing the highest attainable quality.

However, reaching higher quality levels can result in slower cutting speeds and higher costs. Therefore, choose the level of quality according to the project requirements.

6- Use Underwater Cutting:

The waterjet cutting process involves the use of a high-pressure stream of water that travels at supersonic speeds. It produces significant noise and vibration that can be uncomfortable.

Therefore, it is important to wear proper protective gear. Additionally, opting for underwater cutting is highly recommended as it significantly reduces noise and vibration levels.

FAQ For Water Jet Cutting Plastic

Wnioski

Waterjet machines offer an excellent solution for cutting plastics due to their ability to reduce material waste, speed up production time and produce high quality final products. We hope this guide has answered all your questions and cleared any doubts you may have had about waterjet cutting plastics.

If you need the best waterjet sourcing solution or expert advice from leading CNC industry experts tailored to your specific needs, IVYCNC is here to help. Our goal is to streamline the process of finding the perfect water jet for your industrial or commercial needs with excellent service and support.