Description
Item number : 10079705
Description: waterjet parts coupling HP bulkhead, used on the 100hp waterjet high pressure pump
FAQ of Waterjet Cutting Industry:
What’s the role of the cutting head in the waterjet cutting process?
Certainly, the cutting head is a critical component in the waterjet cutting process, responsible for directing the high-pressure water or abrasive mixture onto the material being cut. Its role is essential for precision and control in the cutting operation. Here’s how the cutting head functions:
- Nozzle and Orifice: The cutting head typically consists of a nozzle and an orifice. The nozzle shapes and focuses the high-pressure water stream, while the orifice is a small opening where the water exits. The orifice size and shape can vary depending on the application and material being cut.
- Water Focusing: The high-pressure water enters the cutting head from the high-pressure lines. Inside the cutting head, it passes through a jewel or diamond orifice, which is often designed to have a very small diameter, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 millimeters. This small orifice accelerates the water to extremely high velocities.
- Abrasive Mixing (If Applicable): In abrasive waterjet cutting, an additional component in the cutting head introduces abrasive material (usually garnet) into the high-velocity water stream just before it exits the nozzle. This abrasive mixture significantly enhances the cutting efficiency and precision, especially when cutting hard materials.
- Focused Jet: The combined high-pressure water and abrasive (if used) exit the cutting head as a focused jet. The orifice’s small diameter ensures that the jet remains coherent and concentrated, allowing it to penetrate and cut through the material effectively.
- Precision Control: The cutting head is mounted on a CNC-controlled system that precisely moves it along the X, Y, and sometimes Z axes according to the programmed cutting path. This movement, guided by the CNC controller, ensures accurate and intricate cuts as specified in the design.
- Cutting Force: The high-velocity water jet exerts a tremendous amount of force on the material’s surface. This force is what actually cuts through the material, either by erosion (in pure waterjet cutting) or through a combination of erosion and abrasion (in abrasive waterjet cutting).
- Cutting Quality: The design and condition of the cutting head play a significant role in determining the quality of the cut. A well-maintained and precisely calibrated cutting head is essential for achieving clean, precise, and smooth cuts.
- Cooling and Lubrication: The cutting head may incorporate cooling and lubrication mechanisms to ensure that it remains cool and functions smoothly during operation.
In summary, the cutting head in a waterjet cutting system is responsible for focusing the high-pressure water or abrasive mixture into a concentrated jet, precisely controlling its movement, and applying the necessary force to cut through materials with accuracy and efficiency. It is a key element in achieving the desired cutting results in waterjet cutting processes.
