Laser & Waterjet

In waterjet cutting, the material removal operation can be described as a supersonic erosion process. It is not pressure but steam velocity that tears away microscopic pieces or grains of material. To achieve high-stream velocity, the pressurized water passes through a tiny hole in a jewel that is affixed to the end of the plumbing tubing. Lasers are systems for the generation and amplification of light, where “light” can refer to any electromagnetic wavelength. In its simplest form, a laser consists of a gain medium, a method of pumping the gain medium and an optical cavity.

Industrial Laser Conference Inspires with All-Women Panel
Laser & Waterjet

Industrial Laser Conference Inspires with All-Women Panel

The Laser Institute of America hosts the Industrial Laser Conference, featuring speakers like Joy Gockel and a focus on the use of laser technology for additive manufacturing.

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More blasting. Less part handling.
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ESSENTIAL READING

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Laser & Waterjet

When Laser Cutting Precision Begins with the Quote

A harmonious marriage of CNC machining and sheet-metal fabricating equipment depends on identifying the right process and the right price for every part.

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Basics

What is Laser Cleaning? How Does it Work? EMAG Experts Explain

Lasers provide the flexibility to clean some areas of a CNC-machined workpiece while leaving others untouched.

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Basics

Machining 101: What is Waterjet Cutting?

Waterjet cutting may be a simpler machining method, but it packs a powerful punch that requires operators to stay cognizant of multiple parts’ wear and accuracy.

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Basics

Weep Not, Waterjet Machine. Predictive Maintenance is Here.

The versatility of waterjet cutting is well known, but its reputation as a maintenance intensive technology holds it back. Predictive maintenance may change that. 

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Laser Versus Waterjet for 2D Metalcutting

When should you choose laser cutting over waterjet, and vice versa? A metal fabricator offers some guidelines.

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Why Not Start With Waterjet?

In titanium, significant savings and process efficiency can result from the simple fact that abrasive waterjet cutting leaves the remaining stock intact.

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Latest Laser & Waterjet News And Updates

Laser & Waterjet

Where Micro-Laser Machining Is the Focus

A company that was once a consulting firm has become a successful micro-laser machine shop producing complex parts and features that most traditional CNC shops cannot machine.

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Automation

3 Lessons Job Shops Can Learn From Laser Cutters

This laser-cutting “job shop” designs its processes to make high-mix, low volume work profitable.

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Five-Axis

EDM, Laser Micromachining and More at GF Medical Demo Center

At GF’s Medical Center of Competence, the company shows off EDM and laser features that could make a large impact on medical manufacturing — and elsewhere.

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Laser & Waterjet

Flow Waterjet Systems Enable Complex Part Cutting

The Mach 200c enables bevel and five-axis cutting of most materials with up to 60-degrees of motion.

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Ceratizit Waterjet Nozzles Cut Difficult Materials

The HyproJet range features three standard waterjet nozzles designed to provide narrow hole tolerances, optimized cutting and radial run-out accuracy.

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Hypertherm Associates Software Supports Waterjet Cutting

ProNest LT will support virtually any make or model of a waterjet machine, enabling users to insert the nesting component into their existing workflow.

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Featured Posts

Laser & Waterjet

No Longer a Last Resort: Conference Focuses in on Laser Applications

Wednesday’s Industrial Laser Conference is all about lasers, their benefits and applications. Sessions start at 9:30 a.m. in the West Building – so you still have time to register! 

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Laser & Waterjet

Industrial Fiber Laser Solutions for Marking and Traceability

IMTS22: Dapra’s latest industrial-grade fiber laser marking and engraving technology provides reliable performance, fast cycle times and outstanding flexibility to fit any manufacturing environment.

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Laser & Waterjet

Portable, Flexible Fiber Laser Marker Circumvents Conventional Process Constraints

See Rocklin Manufacturing’s MobiLase portal laser marking unit in action, in addition to other maintenance and repair solutions, at IMTS 2022.

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Basics

When Laser Cutting Precision Begins with the Quote

A harmonious marriage of CNC machining and sheet-metal fabricating equipment depends on identifying the right process and the right price for every part.

Read More
Automation

Fabrication Machine Automates Production of Flat Parts

While generalized automation systems are certainly useful, sometimes narrowly focused automation is exactly what a shop needs.

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Basics

What is Laser Cleaning? How Does it Work? EMAG Experts Explain

Lasers provide the flexibility to clean some areas of a CNC-machined workpiece while leaving others untouched.

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FAQ: Laser & Waterjet

What is laser cutting?

Laser micromachining includes processes like laser ablation, where the laser energy penetrates the material and leads to some transformation. Laser ablation is the direct removal of material resulting from the interaction of the laser light with the sample. Most commonly, ablation relies on the laser light being absorbed in the material, leading to material interaction.

Source: Modern Machine Shop’s Handbook for the Metalworking Industries

What is waterjet cutting?

Waterjet cutting, at its simplest, is the process of a high-pressure jet of water cutting into a material. The technology often compliments other machining techniques such as milling, laser, EDM and plasma. No hazardous material or vapors form during the waterjet process, and neither do heat-affected zones or mechanical stresses. Waterjet can cut whisper-thin details in stone, glass and metals; quickly drill holes in titanium; cut food; and even kill pathogens in beverages and dips.

Source: Machining 101: What is Waterjet Cutting?

What are potential errors to watch for with waterjet cutting?

Potential errors affecting accuracy include cutter compensation error, programming error and machine motion.

Cutter compensation is the value entered into the control system to take into account the width of cut from the jet — that is, the amount by which the cut path must be enlarged so the final part comes out the proper size. To avoid potential errors in high-precision work, the operator should conduct test cuts and know the frequency at which cutter compensation must be adjusted to match mixing tube wear.

Programming errors arise most often because some XY controls do not show dimensions on part programs, making lack of dimensional matching between the part program and the CAD drawing difficult to detect. Important aspects of machine motion that can introduce errors are backlash in the mechanical unit and repeatability.

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