From humble beginnings in the 19th century to cutting-edge manufacturing tools, waterjet cutting has revolutionized the way industries shape materials. Evolving from low-pressure hydraulic mining to high-pressure precision systems, this transformative technology has become a staple in modern fabrication. Whether slicing through soft papers or carving robust steel, waterjet cutting showcases the power of innovation in reshaping what is possible.
The journey of waterjet technology highlights the continuous pursuit of efficiency and precision. With advances like the introduction of high-pressure systems and the integration of abrasives, waterjet cutting has grown into a versatile solution for countless applications. In this article, we’ll talk about the history of waterjet cutting. From aviation to automotive and beyond, its evolution is a testament to engineering ingenuity and the ever-expanding boundaries of manufacturing capabilities.
Early Beginnings and Low-Pressure Applications
Waterjet cutting traces its origins to the mid-1800s, when coal miners utilized hydraulic mining methods to extract resources. These early applications relied on low-pressure water systems and were limited to cutting soft materials. In 1933, the Paper Patents Company in Wisconsin advanced this concept by developing a waterjet nozzle system for cutting continuous sheets of paper. This machine marked the beginning of industrial waterjet use, but its scope was confined to simple, low-pressure applications.
Rapid Advancements in Waterjet Technology
The post-war era saw significant research into waterjet systems as industries sought more efficient cutting methods. In 1958, Billie Schwacha of North American Aviation developed a system using ultra-high-pressure liquid at hypersonic speeds to cut hard materials like steel. In 1962, Philip Rice of Union Carbide explored using a waterjet at up to five times the pressure of previous versions. Research by S.J. Leach and G.L. Walker in the mid-1960s determined the ideal nozzle shape for high-pressure waterjet cutting of stone. In the early 1970s, Ray Chadwick, Michael Kurko, and Joseph Corriveau of the Bendix Corporation came up with the idea of using corundum crystal to form a durable waterjet orifice, while Norman Franz expanded on this and created a smaller, higher-pressure version.
The Rise of High-Pressure Systems
The development of reliable high-pressure systems was a key milestone for waterjet technology. Steam power, which gained prominence in the 19th century, drove advancements in high-pressure pumps and vessels. By the mid-20th century, industries like aviation, automotive, and oil production contributed innovations in hydraulic seals and systems. These advancements culminated in the creation of durable high-pressure pumps for polyethylene manufacturing in 1960. Flow Industries built on this progress in 1973 by developing the high-pressure fluid intensifier, a critical component for waterjet cutting. By 1976, Flow Industries refined these technologies to introduce commercially viable waterjet systems to the manufacturing sector.
The Introduction of Abrasive Waterjets
While pure waterjets were effective for soft materials, adding abrasives transformed waterjets into powerful tools for cutting harder materials. This concept emerged in 1935, when Elmo Smith developed a liquid abrasive blasting system, later refined by Leslie Tirrell of Hydroblast Corporation. The 1980s marked a turning point for abrasive waterjet (AWJ) technology. Mohamed Hashish demonstrated that small amounts of abrasive in high-pressure waterjets could cut materials like steel, concrete, titanium, and glass. Hashish’s work, which introduced the term “abrasive waterjet,” also focused on improving nozzle durability. This culminated in the development of tungsten carbide composite nozzles by Boride Products, significantly extending nozzle lifespan and operational efficiency.
Modern Applications and Innovations
Abrasive waterjets gained widespread industrial adoption in the late 1980s. Today, waterjet technology continues to evolve with innovations such as micro-abrasive waterjets, capable of cutting with jets as small as 0.015 inches in diameter. The Abrasive Water Suspension Jet (AWSJ) method, which mixes water and abrasive before the nozzle, has further expanded the versatility of waterjet cutting. Waterjet technology, whether pure or abrasive, has transformed from a tool for basic material removal into a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, capable of cutting nearly any material with incredible precision.
Cutting Above the Competition
Custom Precision Technologies specializes in waterjet cutting solutions for every application. Whether you need high-pressure systems for industrial-grade materials or micro-abrasive precision for intricate designs, CPT’s cutting-edge technology and expertise ensure the perfect cut every time. Contact us at 954-975-5518 or visit our website to discover how we can elevate your next project.