Forced through a sapphire or diamond orifice, the stream forms a waterjet. Materials are cut cleanly, without ragged edges, and without heat. The ability to nest and cut many shapes are advantages shared with thermal cutting processes. Machine power varies, as pumps range in size from 10 to 100 hp. With the abrasive waterjet process there are no delamination or deformation problems, when properly applied.
Dust is nonexistent.
Taper is generally not an issue, even on thick workpieces, unless too high a cutting speed, or other improper parameters, are selected. Minimal or no deburrin g or secondary finishing is required. Minimal lateral forces are generated, simplifying fixturing. The key pieces of equipment for a waterjet or an abrasive waterjet system are the special high-pressure pump or intensifier to provide the stream of water, the plumbing and tank or catcher unit to handle the water, the gantry, robotic or other delivery system to traverse and guide the nozzle head, and the nozzle assembly unit, which forms the jet. In the case of abrasive waterjets there is an abrasive delivery system including a hopper, a metering valve, and a mixing unit, which mixes the abrasive particles into the water system.