Waterjet cutting is a popular technique used in various industries for precision materials cutting. One such material that can be effectively cut using waterjet technology is acrylic. With its versatility and high-quality results, waterjet cutting has become a preferred method for shaping acrylic sheets.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and applications of waterjet cutting for acrylic, providing you with valuable insights into this innovative process. So, let’s dive in.

Can A Waterjet Cut Acrylic?

Yes, you can cut acrylic using a waterjet effortlessly, resulting in precise and smooth slices. By adding garnet or other abrasive particles to a high-pressure stream of water, the process known as abrasive waterjet cutting allows for accurate cutting through a specialized nozzle.

This method is so effective that even multiple layers of 12-inch-thick acrylic sheets can be sliced with a waterjet cutter.

How Does Waterjet Cutting Acrylic Work?

Waterjet cutting is a highly efficient and precise method for cutting various materials, including acrylic. This process utilizes the power of water, combined with an abrasive material, to create a focused stream that can effortlessly cut through acrylic sheets. Here is how waterjet cutting works specifically for acrylic.

1. Pumping Up The Pressure

The process begins with a large electric-driven oil pump that pushes oil at a pressure of 2750 psi into a powerful intensifier, also known as a pressure amplifier. This component increases the water pressure used in the cutting process.

2. Intensifying The Pressure

Within the intensifier, the pressure rises from the home supply pressure, typically between 50-60 psi, to an astounding 55,000 psi.

The hydraulic piston in the intensifier has a larger surface area than the water piston. This allows it to amplify the water pressure to a level that is 20 times higher than the oil pressure.

3. Supplying High-Pressure Water

Next, the cutting head on a profile cutting table is supplied with extremely high-pressure water through stainless steel pressure pipes.

These pipes ensure that the water maintains its pressure and reaches the cutting head without any loss.

4. Creating A Focused Stream

An aperture made of diamond, sapphire, or ruby is used to focus the high-pressure water stream. As the water passes through this aperture, it condenses into a tiny “needle.”

This needle-like stream of water is crucial for achieving precise and accurate cuts on acrylic sheets.

5. Adding Abrasive Material

To enhance the cutting capabilities of the water, abrasive garnet sand is introduced into the water stream.

This is done after the high-pressure water has been blasted through a mixing chamber. The abrasive garnet sand gets pulled into the water stream, further increasing the water jet’s cutting power.

6. Speeding Towards The Cut

Once the water and abrasive mixture is ready, it leaves the cutting head at incredible speeds, reaching Mach 2.

This high velocity, combined with the abrasive particles, enables the waterjet to cut through acrylic sheets smoothly and precisely, creating clean and accurate edges.

What Types Of Acrylic Can Be Cut With A Waterjet?

Waterjet cutting has several advantages, including minimal heat-affected zones, no warping or distortion, and the ability to cut complex shapes easily.

But what types of acrylics can be cut with a water jet? Following are some of the common types of acrylics that are compatible with waterjet cutting:

Acrylic Sheeting with Texture

Due to its strength and attractive properties, acrylic has become the preferred choice over glass in various applications. One such example is textured acrylic sheeting, which has gained popularity for patio tables, cabinet doors, and other areas where durability, privacy, and excellent light transmission are essential.

With its uniform thickness and strong structure, textured acrylic sheeting perfectly matches waterjet cutting.

Lucite Block Acrylic Sheeting

This is a top choice for a variety of reasons. This exceptional material allows for LED lights to be seamlessly embedded, creating a beautifully even glow. Whether it’s for complex lighting projects or indoor/outdoor applications, this sheeting maintains consistent color transmission, regardless of the light source.

What sets Lucite block acrylic apart is its remarkable quality and versatility. It can be effortlessly cut using a waterjet, making it an ideal option for intricate designs. With its ability to be easily shaped and crafted, this acrylic sheeting opens up endless possibilities for your projects.

Abrasion Resistant Acrylic Sheeting

One type of acrylic sheeting stands out for its exceptional abrasion resistance – the double-coated variety. This type of acrylic takes durability to new heights by providing unmatched resilience against scuffing and scratching. It is an ideal choice for public places with high traffic and potential damage concerns.

Not only does this abrasion-resistant acrylic offer outstanding defense against harmful and abrasive substances, but it also retains the ability to be cut effectively with a waterjet. Despite its enhanced resistance, the waterjet method remains a reliable and precise way to shape this type of acrylic.

Non-Glare Acrylic Sheeting

Suppose you need a material that can reduce glare in your display cases without completely blocking out light. In that case, we have the perfect solution for you. Introducing our unique matte-textured non-glare acrylic sheet, designed to provide excellent protection for your valuable items while allowing clear visibility of your showcased products. 

Our non-glare acrylic sheeting is not only durable and reliable, but it also offers the added benefit of compatibility with waterjet cutting. This means you can achieve precise and clean cuts without compromising its anti-glare properties.

Mirrored Acrylic Sheeting

Mirrored acrylic sheeting combines the durability and resilience of acrylic with the added benefit of being a reflective surface. It is perfect for a wide range of applications, including high-stress environments. With an impressive selection of fourteen vibrant colors to choose from, you can find the perfect mirrored acrylic sheet for your needs. 

One of the great advantages of mirrored acrylic sheeting is that it can be effortlessly cut using a waterjet. This cutting method allows for intricate and precise designs, giving you the freedom to create stunning and intricate projects.

Colored Acrylic Sheeting

It is a fantastic option for those who desire vibrant and eye-catching designs. With a wide range of twenty different colors to choose from, these acrylic variants are not only visually appealing but also durable. This makes them perfect for applications that require both endurance and aesthetic appeal.

For those seeking something truly unique, the fluorescent acrylic sheets offer a translucent finish that shines brilliantly in the light. When it comes to cutting colored acrylic sheeting, waterjet cutting is the ideal method, providing accurate and clean cuts every time.

Clear Acrylic Sheeting

Waterjet cutting is an effective method for shaping and cutting clear acrylic sheeting. With a wide range of available diameters and thicknesses, clear acrylic sheeting offers great adaptability for various designs.

Harnessing the power of waterjet cutting, clear acrylic sheeting can be precisely shaped and cut, creating intricate designs.

Applications Of Waterjet Cutting Acrylic

Waterjet cutting has revolutionized the way we work with various materials, and acrylic is no exception. The versatility and precision offered by waterjet cutting technology have made it a popular choice for a wide range of applications involving acrylic. Below are some of the most common applications of waterjet cutting acrylic:

Kitchen Splashback

Transforming any kitchen can be made quick and affordable with an acrylic backsplash. With a wide range of colors and treatments available, the finished backsplash can be edgy, shiny, or incredibly imaginative. For a truly unique touch, our custom waterjet cutting service allows us to cut acrylic sheets to any dimension, accommodating even the most unusual areas.

Once installed, a plastic sheet backsplash requires minimal upkeep, as it is easy to clean and resistant to scratches and stains, making it perfect for everyday use. With waterjet cutting technology, acrylic splashbacks can be precision-cut to fit any kitchen design, including intricate patterns or shapes.

Sporting Goods

The untapped potential of acrylic plastic in sporting goods with waterjet cutting. This versatile material offers a myriad of uses that you may not have even considered. From the handles of tennis rackets to the bottoms of running shoes and even the baseboards of ice hockey rinks, acrylic is the go-to choice for its durability and resilience.

Waterjet cutting technology ensures precise and clean cuts in acrylic, allowing for intricate designs and customization options. Whether you want to showcase your team logo or create a unique shape, waterjet cutting can bring your sporting equipment to life with exceptional accuracy.

Replacement for Glass with Acrylic

Acrylic is rapidly gaining popularity as a preferred material over glass in various commercial and industrial applications. Its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and appealing aesthetic qualities make it a superior choice.

With the ever-growing demand for acrylic, its uses have expanded significantly, ranging from commercial display cases and store windows to skylights in retail centers and residential buildings. By utilizing waterjet cutting techniques, you can cut acrylic sheets precisely to create customized windows, doors, and partitions.

Acrylic Cabinet Doors and Windows

Acrylic is an affordable and practical alternative to glass for cabinets and windows, making it an ideal choice for home repair or aesthetic projects. Unlike glass, acrylic is highly resistant to scratches and is easier to maintain and clean. Replacing glass in your cupboards and windows can be costly, especially if it involves the entire home.

With waterjet cutting, you can achieve precise and intricate designs and create unique patterns and shapes. The versatility of acrylic, combined with the precision of waterjet cutting, ensures that your cabinet doors and windows serve their functional purpose and stand out in terms of aesthetics.

Retail Displays

How do retailers manage those impressive floating retail displays? The answer lies in using transparent acrylic sheets to create eye-catching designs that showcase goods in a contemporary, minimalist manner.

Acrylic display stands to offer a cost-effective solution for achieving amazing results. With a variety of colors to choose from, these plastic sheet alternatives are durable and resistant to breakage and scratching, even with frequent usage.

Moreover, acrylic sheets are available in various thicknesses and widths. This makes them the perfect material for designing unique displays that attract attention to your business.

Waterjet cutting technology can transform acrylic sheets into display components such as signage, product stands, and exhibition pieces. The precise cuts achieved through waterjet cutting ensure that your retail displays are visually appealing and effectively showcase your products.

Advantages Of Waterjet Cutting Acrylic

Waterjet cutting offers numerous advantages over other cutting methods, making it the preferred choice for many industries. Here are the advantages of waterjet cutting acrylic and why it is a smart choice for your cutting needs:

1. Environmentally Friendly

One of the key advantages of waterjet cutting acrylic is its environmentally friendly nature. Unlike other cutting methods that produce harmful fumes and byproducts, waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water and abrasive materials to cut through the acrylic.

This means that no harmful gases or fumes will be released into the environment during cutting, making it a safe and eco-friendly option.

2. No Additional Finishing Processes

Another advantage of waterjet cutting acrylic is that it eliminates the need for additional finishing processes. The high-pressure water stream and abrasive materials used in waterjet cutting create a smooth and finished edge on the acrylic.

This eliminates the need for post-cutting treatments like sanding or polishing. This saves time and reduces production costs, making waterjet cutting a cost-effective option.

3. Precise Material Control

Waterjet cutting offers exceptional precision and material control. The high-pressure stream of water can cut through acrylic with incredible accuracy, allowing for intricate designs and complex shapes.

Waterjet cutting can always deliver precise and clean results whether you need straight cuts or intricate patterns.

4. No Slag or Fume Problems

Unlike other cutting methods, Waterjet cutting does not produce any slag or fume problems. Slag is a byproduct that is created during certain cutting processes and can cause issues such as rough edges or discoloration.

Waterjet cutting eliminates these problems, resulting in a clean, smooth edge finish without slag formation.

5. No Heat-Affected Zone (Haz)

The heat-affected zone (HAZ) refers to the material area affected by the heat generated during the cutting process. Waterjet cutting does not generate heat, making it ideal for cutting acrylic.

This means that there is no risk of thermal distortion or damage to the acrylic due to heat exposure. Waterjet cutting ensures that the acrylic retains its original properties and dimensions, producing a high-quality end product.

Tips And Precautions For Waterjet Cutting Acrylic

Waterjet cutting is a versatile and precise method of cutting acrylic and other materials, but it also involves some risks and precautions. Here are some tips to help you cut acrylic with a waterjet safely and effectively:

Use High-Quality Equipment

Don’t compromise on the quality of your waterjet cutter, as it can affect the performance and safety of your operation.

A high-quality waterjet cutter will provide you with reliable and accurate results, as well as reduce the chances of accidents and malfunctions. Investing in high-quality equipment will also save you money in the long run.

Follow the User Guide

Different waterjet cutters may have different safety features and procedures. Make sure you read the user guide carefully before using your waterjet cutter for the first time and follow the instructions and recommendations for your specific model.

Comply with the Company Policies

If you are working for an employer or as an operator, ensure your workplace has a clear and comprehensive safety policy.

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations should have approved the workplace, and you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities as an employee or an operator.

Wear the Appropriate Safety Gear

Waterjet cutting involves high-pressure water and abrasive particles, which can cause serious injuries if improperly handled. You should always wear the following safety gear when using a waterjet cutter:

Safety gloves: Choose Kevlar-reinforced cut-resistant safety gloves that are approved by the Waterjet Technology Association (WJTA) for optimal protection.

Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris and water splashes with safety goggles that have ISO certification.

Ear protection: Protect your ears from the loud noise of the waterjet cutter with ear plugs or ear muffs with adequate noise reduction rating (NRR).

Pressure protection gear: Protect your body from the impact of high-pressure water with pressure protection gear, such as jackets, pants, boots, and helmets.

Conclusion

Waterjet cutting is an excellent method for cutting acrylic materials. Its precision and versatility allow for intricate designs and smooth edges, making it a popular choice in various industries. 

The cold-cutting process of waterjet cutting also eliminates the risk of thermal distortion or damage to the acrylic, ensuring high-quality results. Waterjet cutting provides a superior cutting solution for acrylic materials, whether for large-scale or small-scale projects. So, if you are looking for some premium waterjet cutters for acrylic, check out our collection. 

FAQs For Water Jet Cutting Acrylic

Why is waterjet cutting suitable for acrylic?

Waterjet cutting is an ideal method for cutting acrylic because it produces clean and precise cuts. Unlike other cutting methods, waterjet cutting does not generate heat, which can cause melting or warping of acrylic.

Is waterjet cutting safe for acrylic?

Yes, waterjet cutting is safe for acrylic. The cold-cutting process eliminates the risk of heat-related damage, such as melting or warping. Waterjet cutting also removes the need for hazardous chemicals or gases that may be used in other cutting methods.

Can you use waterjet cutting for other materials besides acrylic?

Yes, you can use waterjet cutting for a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, glass, stone, and more. The flexibility of waterjet cutting makes it a popular choice in various industries, from automotive and aerospace to architecture and art.