CNC Water Jet Cutting Machine

A CNC waterjet cutting machine uses a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with abrasive particles, to cut materials. A pump pressurizes water (up to 60–90 kpsi) which passes through a tiny nozzle, focusing it into a jet that can cut virtually any material (metal, stone, glass, composites) without heat damage
The CNC controls the motion of the nozzle over the workpiece.

Type of CNC Water Jet Cutting Machine

Pure Waterjet: Uses only water (for soft materials like foam, rubber).

Abrasive Waterjet (AWJ): Adds garnet or aluminum oxide abrasives for cutting harder materials (metals, ceramics). AWJ is standard for industrial cutting.

Pump Type: Intensifier pump (oil-driven piston) vs. direct-drive pump (crankshaft). Intensifiers are common in large machines.

Axes: 2D cutting tables vs. 3–5 axis (tilting head) for angled cuts.

Application in Various Industries

Waterjets are used in metal fabrication, aerospace, automotive, stone cutting, composites, and metalworking. They are ideal for cutting thick metals (steel up to several inches) and exotic materials (titanium, Inconel) because no heat-affected zone is produced. Also used for architectural stone and glass. In India and globally, waterjets are chosen where precision and material variety are needed (e.g. custom metal parts, sculptures, specialty components).

Material Selection Considerations

High-pressure components use titanium or stainless steel valves and housings to withstand pressure. The orifice is often ruby or diamond to resist wear. Mixing tubes (where water meets abrasive) are ceramic or tungsten carbide to resist erosion. Feed water must be ultra-filtered to avoid nozzle clogging. After cutting, abrasives remain (work area must handle slurry). Tables have abrasive-resistant liners. Safety enclosures (steel or strong acrylic) keep the jet contained.