Can waterjet cut hardened steel?

Yes, water jet cutting can be used to cut hardened steel, which is a type of steel that has been heat-treated to increase its hardness and durability. However, cutting hardened steel with a water jet can be more challenging than cutting softer materials, such as aluminum or plastic.

To cut hardened steel with a water jet, the machine must be capable of generating high pressure and using a high-quality abrasive, such as diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN), to erode the hard steel surface. The cutting parameters, such as the pressure and flow rate of the water jet, the type and amount of abrasive used, and the cutting speed and accuracy, must also be carefully controlled to achieve precise cuts without damaging the cutting equipment or the steel material.

Additionally, the cutting process for hardened steel may take longer and require more abrasive and energy than cutting softer materials, which can increase the cost and time required for the cutting job.

Overall, cutting hardened steel with a water jet requires specialized equipment and expertise to achieve high-quality cuts without damaging the material or the cutting equipment.