Laser Cutting VS Waterjet Cutting：Which is Right for You?

Introduction

 

Laser cutting and waterjet cutting are two popular methods used in metal fabrication and manufacturing processes. Laser cutting involves the use of a high-powered laser to melt, burn, or vaporize material, resulting in a precise and clean cut. It is suitable for a wide range of materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and glass, and is especially well-suited for intricate designs and patterns. On the other hand, waterjet cutting utilizes a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive particles to erode the material and create the cut. This method is known for its versatility, as it can cut through a variety of materials, including metals, composites, stone, and ceramics, without causing heat-induced distortion. While laser cutting offers high precision and speed, waterjet cutting excels in its ability to cut thicker materials and those that may be sensitive to heat. Both methods have their unique strengths and applications, making them valuable tools in different manufacturing and fabrication scenarios.

 

I. How waterjet cutting works?

 

Water cutting process, that is, the use of ultra-high-pressure technology will be pressurized tap water to 250-400Mpa high pressure, and then through the bore diameter of about 0.10-0.35mm gemstone nozzle, the formation of high-speed jet speed of 800-1000m / s, this high-speed jet is commonly known as the "waterjet". This type of waterjet is widely used for cutting soft base materials due to its high energy characteristics.

In the process of waterjet cutting of titanium materials, an appropriate amount of abrasive material, such as quartz sand, emery, etc., is usually added to the waterjet to enhance its cutting ability. The process of water cutting is generally first perforated titanium material, followed by walking knife cutting at a certain speed, and finally by the collector to accommodate and eliminate the sand flow and water flow generated during cutting.

 

Second, titanium and titanium alloy water cutting parameters

 

When water cutting titanium and titanium alloy, water pressure, sand flow and cutting rate are important parameters that affect the cutting quality. Depending on the thickness and hardness of the titanium plate, the operator needs to precisely adjust these parameters to achieve the best cutting results.

 

2. How does laser cutting work?

 

The feasibility of laser cutting of titanium materials lies in its unique processing principle. The high energy density and rapid heating characteristics of the laser beam cause the titanium material to reach its melting point in a very short period of time, resulting in fast and precise cutting. At the same time, the high-temperature, high-pressure environment generated during the laser cutting process makes the cutting surface of titanium materials smoother and neater, improving processing quality.

 

Waterjet cutting vs laser cutting

 

Features	waterjet cutting	laser cutting
Cutting thickness	10-50mm	3-10mm
Tolerance accuracy	≥±0.1mm	≥0.5mm
Heat effect	No thermal impact	Thermal impact may cause deformation
Cutting accuracy	Higher precision	Higher precision, suitable for complex designs
Environmental protection	Environmentally friendly, no harmful gases	Ventilation system is required to handle harmful gases

 

When waterjet cutting titanium material, you also need to pay attention to the following points:

 

1. High nozzle wear and tear: Due to the use of high pressure water streams, the jeweled nozzles of waterjet equipment wear out faster and need to be replaced periodically.

2. Cutting surface kerf residue: For excessively thick titanium plates (e.g. 10mm or more), waterjet cutting may result in cutting surface kerf residue or beveling.

 

When laser cutting titanium material, you also need to pay attention to the following points:

 

1. Thickness of titanium material: Different thicknesses of titanium material need to adjust the laser power and spot size to ensure cutting quality and cutting speed. For thicker titanium plates, you need to use a machine with higher laser power, while for thinner titanium plates, you need to control the laser power and spot size to avoid burn-through.

 

2. Laser cutting machine power and stability: laser cutting of titanium materials need to be more powerful machine, and at the same time to ensure the stability and reliability of the machine. The stability of the machine has an important impact on the cutting quality, while the reliability of the machine can ensure long time continuous operation.

 

3. The skill level of the operator: laser cutting titanium materials requires a high level of operating skills of professionals. Operators need to be familiar with the operation and maintenance of the laser cutting machine, understand the processing characteristics of titanium materials, as well as master the adjustment and optimization of cutting parameters to ensure cutting quality and cutting speed.

 

Conclusion

 

Different plates choose different processing methods, each processing method has its own drawbacks, according to the actual situation of their own substrates, choose the titanium plate suitable for you!