Flow Waterjet

Waterjet Cutting Applications

Endless Possibilities

Waterjet cutting technology is one of the fastest growing major machine tool processes in the world due to its versatility and ease of operation. Manufacturers are realizing that there are virtually no limits to what these machines are capable of cutting and machining.

Machine shops of all sizes are realizing greater efficiency and productivity by implementing UHP waterjets in their operations. Waterjets are becoming the machine tool of choice for many shops.

Since abrasive waterjet (AWJ) technology was first invented by Flow in the early 1980s, the technology has rapidly evolved with continuous research and development.

What makes waterjets so popular? Waterjets require few secondary operations, produce net-shaped parts with no heat-affected zone, heat distortion, or mechanical stresses caused by other cutting methods, can cut with a narrow kerf, and can provide better usage of raw material since parts can be tightly nested.

As a result of the FlowMaster PC control system and intuitive operation, waterjets are extremely easy to use. Typically, operators can be trained in hours and are producing high quality parts in hours.

Additionally, waterjets can cut virtually any material, leaving a satin-smooth edge. These benefits add up to significant cost savings per part in industries that have traditionally defined productivity by cost per hour.

Waterjet cutting offers a host of benefits to manufacturers of all types. Some highlights include:

Unmatched Versatility

Flow waterjets enable you to cut a variety of applications with ease. Whatever the shape, dimensions, or material, our easy-to-use FlowMaster ® software lets you bring valuable versatility to your business.

Flow Waterjet Cutting materialExpanded Capabilities

Whatever your business b automotive, aerospace, stone and tile, tool and die, fabricator, or job shop - you can cut metal, stone, plastics, composites, glass, ceramics, or rubber b all up to 8 inches thick with no heat-affected zone and superior edge quality.

Reduction in Material and Production Costs

Flow waterjets require minimal fixturing and tooling so you can save valuable time on your shop floor. Waterjets cut accurate, clean edges that allow for tight nesting and reduced scrap - saving you money through greater material utilization

Waterjet Cutting Products

Flow Waterjet, Cutting machine, Water, Jet, Machinery, Westway Machinery

World's Most Versatile Machine ToolWaterjet cutting systems are the world's most versatile machine tools. Flow systems can cut almost any shape in a single step and with edge quality that usually requires no secondary finishing. They are the most productive solution today for cutting a wide range of material thickness from 1/16 inch to over 8 inches.

As the industry leader, Flow is the only firm which can offer both ultrahigh-pressure intensifier and HyPlex direct drive pumps. THey can insure our customers get the pump that is right for them and their unique application. Whether you machine high volume, short run, or prototype parts, a Flow system is the choice that will keep you competitive. Here's why:

• No Other Tool Cuts or Machines a Greater Variety of Materials
• From glass to stones to composites and metals, nothing cuts and machines a greater variety of materials than an abrasive waterjet. Their versatility is unmatched.
• Minimal Set-Up & FixturingSetup and Fixturing Is Complete In Just Minutes
• Side forces are virtually non-existent when cutting with a Flow abrasive waterjet so the time required for setup and fixturing is minimal. You can move quickly from job to job b cut 1/2 inch aluminum in the morning, 2 inch glass in the afternoon, and 6 inch stainless steel in the evening.

Different Jobs Do Not Require Different Tooling

Abrasive waterjet cutting is accomplished by software-controlled, robotic motion systems rather than hard tooling. There are no costly, time-consuming tool changes required to accommodate an infinite variety of shapes.

Multiple Heads Increase Productivity

The cool-cutting process of Flow abrasive waterjet systems enables you to increase throughput by stacking raw material and cutting multiple parts in a single pass. Running multiple cutting heads simultaneously further increases productivity.

Superior Edge QualityCostly Secondary Finishing is Eliminated by Good Edge Quality

From steel to composites, cut net and near-net parts. Abrasive waterjets cut with erosion, rather than shearing or heat, so they produce exceptional edge quality without inducing heat-affected zones or mechanical stresses. Raw materials maintain their structural integrity; deburring and other secondary finishing are usually not required.

Save On Raw Material Costs

Abrasive waterjets cut with a narrow kerf and produce no heat allowing the operator to nest parts tightly to get the most out of the material.

Existing Technology Complimented

There is a trend today by many job shops to add waterjets to their operations as a complement to other cutting technologies such as EDM, laser, milling, and plasma. While each shop has its own requirements for cutting projects, most are finding waterjets to be a tremendous asset to their operations b enhancing both productivity and profitability.