What is Waterjet Cutting?

Waterjet cutting is fast, simple and reliable. It’s ideal for endless projects, like frameless shower enclosures, mirrors, cut-outs, signs, and more. Advanced software guides the waterjet to design and cut professional, quality glass in no time. Here’s a bit more on waterjet cutting and how it works.

What is Waterjet Cutting?

Waterjet machinery combines high-pressure water flow and an abrasive garnet to pierce through thick glass in a smooth, controlled way. Software technology allows you to design a template for the machine to follow, and in just minutes the glass can be cut into any shape or pattern desired.

Waterjet cutting can be applied to steel, aluminum, granite, or even softer materials such as rubber or foam. This technology is ideal for a wide range of materials because it does not require high temperatures. However, certain limitations apply. Factors such as thickness, treatment and hardness limit what materials can be cut with a waterjet cutter.

How Does it Work?

The initial piercing must have equal parts water and abrasive to prevent cracking, as simply cutting with high-pressure water will crack the glass. To prevent tension that leads to cracks, a design is often implemented to reduce the amount of piercing needed. With one pierce point and a continuous flow until the end, this effective strategy prevents the glass from cracking.

The bottom of the glass must also be supported by a softer material, like plywood. This prevents water from ricocheting back into the glass and frosting the bottom.

What are the Limitations?

Tempered glass is impossible to cut with waterjet cutting, due to the amount of stress already placed on the glass by its treatment. Cutting it will shatter the glass and render it unusable. Also, as mentioned earlier, equal parts abrasive and water must be administered at the initial piercing. Even a millisecond of pure water could risk cracking the glass or material.

You can expect to run through one pound of abrasive per minute, depending on the type and quality of abrasive administered, and the machine itself. Different abrasives can be used for different materials, which could offset the operation costs.

Ryan’s all-glass is the Perfect Addition

Let Ryan’s all-glass help you create the perfect glass additions to your home or business. We offer a wide range of services, from commercial entrances to residential upgrades. Whatever you envision, Ryan’s all-glass can achieve. Contact an expert today for more information, or browse our website for more inspirations on all things glass.