The manufacturing procedures we’re using to create items are evolving. We’re focusing on methods to lower costs and improve efficiency. One of the most interesting areas that have changed massively is cutting. High-definition plasma and waterjet cutting are among the most flexible methods, especially if you are working with challenging materials like titanium. Both methods have their pros and cons. What we’re going to do is discuss the two in detail to see how they compare. Then, if you want to order titanium waterjet cut plate, you can rely on us.
Discussing the techniques
Let’s start by going over these two techniques in detail, with waterjet cutting up first. A waterjet system aims a stream of water at an item to produce the cut. It make use of extremely high-pressures to create enough force for cutting. The technique has the potential to create precise cuts. This form of cutting might appear futuristic, but it was actually introduced many years ago. It was as early as the 1930s when it gained traction.
Waterjet cutting has a series of benefits. One is that there isn’t any direct contact between the cutting tool and the material. It therefore doesn’t increase the temperature of your material during cutting. As such, it’s preferable where temperature regulation is essential to ensure there is no impact on the material and its properties.
Then there is plasma cutting. On the surface, it might appear similar to waterjet cutting. Except, the water stream is replaced by a high-pressure gas. Also, the science of gas plasma cutters is more complex and has a separate working process.
Plasma cutting can only work on substances that conduct electricity naturally. The technique uses a gas with charged atoms. This method calls for grounding the workpiece so it works as another electrode. When your charged gas falls on the material, it generates a complete electrical circuit between the workpiece and nozzle. It produces a high temperature at the point of contact. Your material will melt away at that point and result in a precise cut.
Factors to consider
When deciding between the two, there are many factors to consider. Have a read to learn more, then talk to us if you need titanium waterjet cut plate.
Lifespan
One of the main factors is the lifespan of consumables. In plasma cutters, the tools you need for every job wear out rapidly each time you start the machine. Parts such as the nozzle may only last a few hours. The consumables of waterjet cutting come with longer lifespans. Your nozzle can go on for around 100 hours, and other parts also last longer. So, if you look at the lifespan of consumables, waterjet cutting holds a cost effective advantage over plasma cutters.
Materials
The second consideration is the range of materials supported. As we said, plasma cutters are only for cutting materials capable of conducting electricity. Waterjet cutters have more flexibility; they are able to practically cut and form complex shapes in nearly anything. Considering how many materials you can cut, waterjet cutters come out the winner here.
Max thickness
Plasma cutters can cut mild steel up to six inches in thickness. It will be acceptable for most projects, but is a limitation. Waterjet cutters aren’t so restricted. You can use them to cut far higher metal thicknesses. They can typically cut 10-12 inches through hard materials. Some machines can go up to 18 inches, but it does slow down the cutting speed. During applications like coal mining, specialist equipment can even cut up to 100 ft. If you choose titanium waterjet cut plate, you’ll have a broader choice of thicknesses.
Cutting tolerance and accuracy
Tolerance is the distance of your cut from the intended cutting area. The lower it is, the more accurate your cut. A plasma cutter is able to cut within 0.015 inches of the target. Waterjet cutting tolerance is close to 0.001 inches. This results in lower kerf width, greater accuracy, and superior cut quality. When comparing the two, waterjet cutters create a more acceptable tolerance than plasma cutters. This is particularly true if the part accuracies and cut qualities are priorities.
Stress
Plasma cutters do the cutting process by generating very high temperatures at the cut edge. Thus, it leads to some stress on the material. It can cause flaws like distortions or warps. A waterjet cutter doesn’t produce intense heat whilst cutting. So, there is no stress. It achieves superior quality cuts if the material you are working with is sensitive to stress.
Talk to us if you want titanium waterjet cut plate
At Brindley Metals, we ensure that our team always supplies clients with the best metal goods. Our range is huge, including numerous alloys in various forms. We even offer materials that have been cut using different methods. It gives clients the best chance to find the ideal products for any applications.
Rest assured that you can rely on us in every situation, especially if you need titanium waterjet cut plate. So, feel free to contact us if you need help.