Water jet machines first started seeing widespread use in the 1970s, and today are recognized as the cleanest and most efficient cutters for many types of jobs and materials. Instead of using a less precise technology that's often harder to manipulate, work with a water jet saw to fashion the product you want to the exact specifications you need.
Abrasive water jet cutting employs simple physics and common elements. A water jet machine, otherwise known as a water jet saw or flow jet machine, fires a concentrated stream of water at high speed at whatever material you need to cut. For certain materials, an abrasive substance like garnet or aluminum oxide is suspended as grit in the water for extra cutting power. Why should you use this technology, and what are your options?
1. There are many advantages to water jet cutting machines.
2. You have various choices in water jet cutting services.
3. Consider purchasing your own water jet machine if your needs require extensive use.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get more accurate results by using water jet saws
Water jet saws are ideal for working with when you need a very fine or intricate result. The medium adds an unparallelled precision to your cutting and prevents many of the side effects of more conventional cutting tools, such as material-damaging heat. Because it uses high-pressure water instead of a solid cutting material, a water jet cutter produces little or no friction, meaning that you get a perfectly-shaped product with no damage or discoloration from heat. Additionally, most machines use a computer for a controlled, exact cut.
I recommend: Alibaba.com and the
WaterJetting Directory list many different kinds of machines, for many different jobs. Find out what type of water jet saw, and what size, would be ideal for the kind of work you must do.
Locate the company that would best provide water jet cutting services
As with any industry, you have various choices when it comes to water jet cutting services. You'd like to find a company that will do the job you want for a price that's reasonable to you. Some services specialize in a certain area, and others can handle virtually any kind of cutting you may have in mind. Analyze your needs and balance them against your budget. What is it you need? How much are you willing to spend? Answering these questions gives you an edge when it comes to picking the right service.
I recommend: Determine your exact requirements before contacting any companies. That way, you can
browse companies and
select a service that's appropriate and tell them precisely what you need.
Consider whether you might want your own flow jet machine
Flow jet machines aren't cheap, but if you're starting up a business that would require their frequent use, then purchasing your own equipment may not be such a bad idea. There are many options; if you can afford it, a new machine is a good choice because, as with any new equipment, it's pretty much guaranteed to be in good condition. On the other hand, used water jet machines are easy to find; there's little chance that the person before you actually did any damage; and, most importantly, used water jet cutter prices can be a lot easier for your budget to handle.
I recommend: Shop around and see what new and used machines cost. Compare prices at
Direct Industry and see what works best for your business.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If you're considering purchasing your own machine, contact someone who works with a water cutting machine to get a first-hand opinion. You might also ask them about visiting their workplace to watch one in operation. There's nothing like a live demonstration.
The official source of Water Jet Machines is the Water Jet Machines page at Business.com
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