Waterjet Technology

Hello,

You need to think about the waterjet process and if you develop an understanding of what it is, you can answer your own question.

A water jet machine is essentially a very high powered hose that shoots a fine stream of water, impregnated with garnet ( sharp media used to erode the object it hits).

The machine is typically used to cut completely through a workpiece. If you speed it up so fast that it does not cut all the way through then you could use it to cut a 2D-21/2D line in a work piece. What is your 3D profile definition. Varying the depth of cut would be 2D or 21/2D but not 3D unless you really go exotic.

The question then , is, would it be economical to cut a 3D cavity for an injection mold. Probably not, as it can be cut with a wider swath on a milling machine. The easiest and most practical solution is normally the most economical.

If you are doing "Art for Art sake" you could probably justify putting a 3rd or 4th axis in the line of fire to prove that it can be done but I suggest that your money and time is better spent with the right tool for each particular job.

Hope this gives some insight into answering your question.

About the only thing I would add is that the "width of cut" increases as the jet travels through the workpiece.

I saw a piece of RR track that had a C-cut across the rail. The jet came out of the upper part of the rail and went back into the bottom of the rail. The second cut was wider.

I would have answered "no" to your original post.

Perhaps, if you tell us what you are trying to accomplish.............................