Manufacturing isn’t a one-size-fits-all business. For manufacturers, there’s nothing more frustrating than identifying a part that’s been cut to a size that’s almost right – but not quite. If a part is chipped or the angles are slightly off, you may have to restart your entire project from scratch. Precision is a non-negotiable when it comes to customer satisfaction and product durability. Fortunately, the industry has come a long way in terms of tools and services that prioritize both efficiency and precision. One such service is waterjet cutting, which takes the guesswork out of products that require intricate cuts or unusual shapes. Between accuracy, efficiency, and speed, the advantages of 5-axis waterjet cutting can’t be overstated.
Advantages of 5-Axis Waterjet Cutting
High-Pressure Stream, Maximum Accuracy
The term “waterjet” is a fairly broad label for a cutting tool that utilizes a high-pressure water stream. Waterjet cutting technology involves a thin, highly pressurized stream of water. The stream cuts manufactured components with stunning accuracy thanks to a waterjet pump that can deliver up to 90,000 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI). If 90,000 pounds sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. That level of pressure is enough to cut even the thickest, most durable metals and materials. For extremely durable materials like stainless steel and nickel alloys, manufacturers may add a granular abrasive to the waterjet. Adding an abrasive increasesthe cutting power. It’s also relatively easy to add the abrasive at the nozzle of the waterjet mechanism, which makes it simple to switch back and forth between water and abrasive cutting if necessary.
No Need for Heat
Some popular forms of machining technology rely heavily on excessive heat, which can be dangerous for personnel and hazardous for delicate materials. One of the major advantages of 5-axis waterjet cutting is the absence of heat during the cutting process. The waterjet stream means your materials won’t be exposed to potentially compromising heat levels. Waterjet cutting can also take place while the material is submerged in water, which is a popular method to reduce manufacturing noise.
Efficiency
Professionals in the manufacturing field know that efficiency and uniformity is nonnegotiable. After all, a perfect part means nothing if it’s delivered behind schedule; yet sacrificing quality for speed is unacceptable. 5-axis waterjet cutting is an efficient option for large production runs with fast turnaround times. Additionally, just because a material is thick, that doesn’t mean it will require a drawn-out cutting process. Waterjet cutting technology can cut through most manufacturing materials, no matter the thickness. However, it is important to keep in mind that waterjet cutting may take slightly longer when compared to plasma or laser cutting. Rest assured that the accuracy makes the wait well worth it.
From the receiving dock straight into production. Letting Tank Components Industries precut your tank heads takes time, frustrating steps, and quality risks out of your already complicated scheduling process. TCI‘s 5-Axis capabilities allow us to cut your holes in any configuration required, ensuring a clean fit up for welding your ferrules, manways, and handholes into the tank head.
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Waterjet cutting combines speed, accuracy, and ease of use for the ideal manufacturing experience. When you invest in a waterjet product, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the most carefully crafted piece of equipment on the market. Of course, some manufacturers might settle for a product that’s less than satisfactory, but we find that unacceptable. Waterjet cutting is just one of the ways we work to ensure customer satisfaction.
Still have questions about the advantages of 5-axis waterjet cutting? Look no further than the experts at Tank Components Industries. We strive to be your one-stop-shop for all things related to tank manufacturing. Whether you’re looking for tank heads, cones, cylinders, ferrules, or even specialty fittings, we manufacture it all in-house with strict ASME standard compliance. We’re also proud to utilize waterjet cutting technology for optimal results. Reach out for a free quote today.
