Water Jet Cutting Composites
Because composites are not homogenous materials and are reinforced for greater strength, cutting them requires a different approach than ceramic cutting or metal cutting, for example. Using conventional machining techniques will quickly cause parts to wear out and require replacement. Employing the techniques often used for cutting granite or titanium may also compromise the strength of the composite and/or cause delamination, making the material less suitable for use in applications such as aircrafts and medical devices.
As an alternative, cutting with water offers a number of benefits for composites. Waterjets do not produce heat-affected zones or leave rough edges/burrs that require the material to undergo secondary finishing. Additionally, very little waste is created with water jet technology to protect the material investment, and the speed of the technology makes it well suited to high production requirements. To learn more about the benefits of cutting with water for composites, check out the in-depth information provided below.
For composite parts demanding precision accuracy in the medical, aerospace, automotive or many other industries, KMT Waterjet pumps and cutting nozzles offer significant advantages.
By eliminating follow up secondary hand finishing necessary with laser and plasma, water jet cutting can save time, money and raw materials cutting steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, kevlar, carbon fiber, inconel composite and circuit boards. Waterjets can also be used in cutting glass, rubber, paper cutting, food and ceramic cutting.
Typically, lasers cut materials up to 1” thick, while waterjets can cut composites up to 8” depending on the materials. Since no heat or carbon dioxide is emitted from waterjets, this water erosion process is safer for the environment while the parts maintain their strength and original finish.
KMT Waterjet Features and Benefits
- Create complex shapes using composites with precision water jet cutting.
- NO Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) which is ideal for composites and more.
- With speeds up to Mach 4 or 90,000psi water pressure capability for the fastest cutting process in the waterjet industry using the Next Generation in metal fabrication, KMT Streamline™ Pro.
- Ideal for cutting up to 8” of composites materials depending on density of product.
- The LARGEST International network of motion control waterjet table system OEM integrators, including X-Y, X-Y-Z, or up to 6 Axis, offering you flexibility of choices. You decide what you need.
- The Best Waterjet Products at the Lowest Prices in the Waterjet industry.
- Eliminates most secondary finishing… no burrs or rough edges
- Safe for the Environment; no toxic fumes or dust and garnet is disposable.
- Omni-directional cutting. Minimal tolerances. No wasteful raw materials.
- Cutting heads do not have to be changed out during manufacturing avoiding aggravating delays.
- Thick or Thin, Waterjet cutting is the most flexible process in manufacturing from cutting granite to foam.
- Minimal set up for automated cutting process and minimal downtime for quick seal change.
- Cuts without melting.
- Can pierce material directly without the need for a pre-drilled starter hole.
- KMT pumps and Autoline II and IDE cutting heads are made in the USA.
- No tool sharpening
- One head for all applications, no guessing, no need to change bits.
- High or low surface pressure flexibility for sensitive or thick materials
- Tolerances (at ±0.003")
KMT Waterjet Detailed Information:
KMT Waterjet Systems offers unprecedented cutting solutions with ultrahigh pressure up to 90,000psi with the KMT Streamline™ Pro pump. With this intensified pressure, the highest in the water jet industry, waterjets are able to cut virtually ANY composite material with the greatest accuracy and at the lowest cost.
The KMT Streamline™ Pro 90,000 PSI/6,200 bar UHP pump is the alternative solution for professional manufacturers cutting with water composites requiring exacting performance and exceptional value.
With waterjet pressure up to 90,000 PSI, or 6,200 bar, the advanced Streamline™ Pro pump is produced with just one intensifier, delivering the manufacturer a reduction in operating costs by cutting products in less time than conventional waterjets. The increased operating benefits of the KMT Streamline™ Pro pump cutting composites with waterjet technology will provide a reduction to the long-term capital expenditure.
The threaded, stud design utilizes hydraulic tension for ease of maintenance. The KMT water jet Streamline™ Pro pump is also downward compatible to 60,000 PSI operational pressure when less waterjet force is needed to cut composites to complete the project.
Meeting strict quality ISO 9001:2000 Certification Standards, the KMT Streamline™ Pro Pump offers the flexibility and versatility needed in the ever changing and demanding just-in-time composite cutting production schedules.
Along with multiple language controls, dual pressure compensator and many additional standard features, the KMT Streamline™ Pro pump and Pro Line cutting heads are supported by the largest OEM waterjet table manufacturer’s and motion control systems worldwide providing the most extensive localized technical support in the waterjet industry.
The precision accurate KMT Streamline™ 90,000psi pump is the most advanced KMT waterjet system delivering maximum power and performance.
Everyday Uses
Metal Stainless Steel Copper Aluminum
Carbon Fiber Brass Titanium Inconel Plastics
Composites Circuit Boards Metal Alloys Foam Glass
Stone Tile Ceramics Porcelain Marble
Wood Rubber Acrylic Food Carpet
Paper Demilitarization Construction Aerospace Brass
Plexiglass Graphite Bronze Kevlar Unlimited……
About KMT Waterjet Systems:
KMT Waterjet Systems is the leading global manufacturer of waterjet cutting systems, Ultra High Pressure pumps and components for water jet systems. KMT’s product offerings include: UHP Pumps, Waterjet cutting nozzles, Focusing Tubes, Pneumatic Cutting Valves, Intensifier and High pressure parts, Abrasive Cutting Systems, Waterjet Spare Parts, High pressure Valves, Fittings and Tubing Products, Diamond Orifices, Sapphire Orifices, Ruby Orifices, and Robotic applications.
KMT Waterjet Systems are used in a wide variety of industries including automotive, military, aerospace, tile, stone, food, textiles, rubber, foam, glass and much more. Call 800-826-9274, Contact Us or e-mail sales@kmtwaterjet.com for information on how water jet cutting can improve your cutting application.