When it comes to cutting things, many people assume that blades are the only things that can get the job done. Of course, there are actually many different materials and methods that you can use to cut through items, regardless of what they are. Some of these methods might even surprise you. For example, water jet cutters and CNC water jet cutters are actually very popular and have adapted and evolved a lot throughout history.
What Is a Water Jet Cutter?
A water jet cutter is a machine that uses the power of water to cut through materials. Typically, these would cut through soft materials such as paper. A CNC water jet cutter is a water jet cutting machine that is operated by a computer. CNC stands for “Computer Numerical Control.”
History of the Water Jet Cutter
Water jet cutters, which have now led to the development of the CNC water jet cutter, have been around for quite a long time. Early forms of them, such as those traced back to the Paper Patents Company in the 1930s, used low water pressure to cut through things. Higher water pressure started to be used after the war for faster and more precise cutting. The first reliable water jet cutter that used ultra-high water pressure was developed in the early 1970s by Dr. John Olsen, who was Vice President of Operations at OMAX Corporation.
Benefits of Water Jet Cutting Today
Today, the CNC water jet cutter has come a long way from just cutting through paper with low pressure. Abrasive water jet cutters used today can cut through materials that are anywhere from one-sixteenth of an inch to more than ten inches thick. This might include materials such as metals, composites, stones, tiles, glass, and paper products; abrasive water jet cutters could even cut through certain foods. Its versatility and nature make it very sought after for cleaner and more efficient cutting alternatives.