Can waterjet cut titanium?

Yes, water jet cutting can be used to cut titanium, which is a hard and durable metal often used in aerospace, medical, and other high-performance applications. However, cutting titanium with a water jet can be more challenging than cutting softer metals, such as aluminum or copper.

To cut titanium 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 titanium 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 titanium material.

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

Overall, cutting titanium with a water jet requires specialized equipment and expertise to achieve high-quality cuts without damaging the material or the cutting equipment. With proper equipment and cutting parameters, water jet cutting can offer high precision and minimal heat-affected zone, which can help to reduce the risk of damage and waste and to achieve high-quality finished parts.