Water Jet Cutting: Top Utility Precautions to Be Maintained for Safer Use

With the advancement in ecology, the cutting industry has witnessed a myriad of development in the methods of cutting. Amid those versatile cutting methods, the water jet cutting is gaining popularity because of being faster and manageable. In water jet cutting used or sometimes an abrasive is mixed and that technique is called abrasive waterjet - in its pure form provides the wielder the desired shape and cut. The water jet cutting is ideal for many industries and there are many advantages to this technique, especially in terms of environmental considerations and flexibility. It can cut in any direction; no need to labor after cutting with the waterjet and it saves the raw materials by producing negligible wastage.

water jet cutting
Water Jet Cutting

Things Associated With Water Jet Cutting

Whether you are using abrasive waterjet or pure/soft waterjet, all water jet cutting technique follows the same principle of focusing a stream of high intensity and very high pressure on the material to produce a clean cut. 
  • The process is also faster and stresses free than other cutting techniques and economic as you are not required adding oil or any other fuel.
  • This method is also deemed to be eco-friendly as the process does not include the usage of any hazardous gases or leave chips and accident inducing metals behind.
  • The versatility of the technique of water jet cutting does have a few limitations though. While this process is ideal for almost any material, brittle objects like ceramic or glass should not be treated to waterjet as the pressure will break the material. 

Safety Measures to Be Followed in Water Jet Cutting:

The waterjet is a preferred method when it comes to the fabrication of machine parts which requires absolute precision and as they are sensitive to greater temperatures the high pressure of the waterjet does the trick. This precision and pressure technique for cutting, reaming and shaping also finds its uses in industries like aerospace and mining. However, during the process certain precautionary measures to be maintained. The process should not be treated lightly, especially when it comes to safety while wielding the waterjet. The primary concerns are related to the safety of the person using a water jet cutting machine tool to work. A few precautions that should be well noted are:


1. Ensure to protect the eyes and the ears well
– Protecting the eyes and ears well is especially essential if you are using the abrasive waterjet. The grit mixed with the water to aid the cutting can cause serious bodily damage to the injury the eye can sustain is imaginable. Wearing sturdy eye guard and covering the nozzle with rags often reduces the risk of such accidents. The high pressure of the water jet cutting process generates a high pitched sound which is damaging to the ears. While the cutting process takes place in a tank there are times when you are required to cut above water and it is during these times that a high-quality protective headgear with soundproofing is a must.

2. Concentration and careful handling are utmost required – Through while the process seems easy, but water jet cutting requires apt concentration as well as careful handling of the stream, especially when changing the direction of the flow. The power of water jet cutting is such that it can easily cut through a thick piece of steel so if by chance your fingers enter that zone of the stream it will be fatal.

3. Keep yourself at a safe distance - When the waterjet is running at its highest speed it can cover a distance of 100 inches easily within a minute. While you have set the speed and started the machine, make sure you are nowhere close to the machine. If you need to change direction or inspect the work, turn the jet off and then continue with your adjustments. During the process maintaining a safer distance is always advisable.
In addition to the aforementioned measures, when using the water jet cutting technique you should be familiar to the parts and its workings. Every part should be labeled and updated. Work with waterjet only when you are accustomed enough to the working and the precautions. You can master the waterjet in no time but ensure to follow the rules and protocols of water jet cutting machine and your company. Be confident and keep the workspace clean.

You Might Also Like

0 comments

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.