At what pressure does water cut steel?

The pressure required to cut steel with a water jet depends on several factors, including the thickness of the steel, the type of steel being cut, and the specific water jet cutting equipment being used. In general, water jet cutting machines can cut steel at pressures ranging from 30,000 to 90,000 pounds per square inch (psi).For example, to cut thin steel sheets (less than 1/4 inch thick), a water jet cutting machine may use a pressure between 30,000 and 40,000 psi. For thicker steel (1/4 inch to 1 inch thick), a water jet cutting machine may use a pressure between 40,000 and 60,000 psi. And for very thick steel (greater than 1 inch thick), a water jet cutting machine may use a pressure between 60,000 and 90,000 psi.It’s important to note that the pressure alone is not enough to cut steel with a water jet. Abrasive particles, such as garnet, are usually added to the water stream to enhance the cutting ability of the water jet. Additionally, the cutting speed, nozzle diameter, and other cutting parameters must be carefully controlled to achieve precise cuts and avoid damaging the steel or the cutting equipment.