Stainless Steel Honeycomb for Waterjet Cutting Applications

What Is Waterjet Cutting?

Waterjet cutting employs a high‐pressure water stream to cutting materials. The water is frequently combined with an abrasive, for example garnet. The stream penetrates metals, stone, glass and composite materials. Machines are available in sizes ranging from small bench‐top units to large industrial systems. The waterjet system is operated by pressurising water to nearly 60 000 pounds per square inch.

Benefits of Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet cutting offers several advantages.

The process is categorised as cold cutting, thereby avoiding the formation of a heat‐affected zone. This helps to preserve the material’s structural integrity.

Cut edges generally require minimal finishing owing to their naturally smooth nature. The method produces minimal waste and provides high precision. Operators may cut thick materials without affecting the internal structure.

A variety of materials can be processed, ranging from soft aluminium to hard ceramics. The waterjet cutting method is flexible and is capable of producing curves and fine details with accuracy.

Several industries employ waterjet cutting because it is safe and versatile. The high pressure used in the process can remove the requirement for secondary processing in many cases, thereby reducing operational costs.

Why Use Stainless Steel Honeycomb for the Waterjet Cutting?

Stainless steel honeycomb functions as an appropriate support material for waterjet cutting.

The honeycomb structure provides uniform support to the workpiece during cutting. Stainless steel exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion. Its design is strong yet lightweight. The structure is engineered to limit vibrations and to maintain a steady surface, thereby facilitating accurate and reproducible cuts.

During waterjet cutting, the support material must securely retain the workpiece and withstand wear resulting from the abrasive water stream. Stainless steel honeycomb fulfils these requirements.

Several manufacturers in research and industrial sectors utilise stainless steel honeycomb, particularly in applications where precise dimensions are essential. For instance, aerospace components that require exact tolerances benefit from a stable support base. The honeycomb may be used repeatedly and demands minimal maintenance. Its modular design allows for the replacement of damaged sections without the need to replace the entire support structure.

How to Use Stainless Steel Honeycomb for the Waterjet Cutting?

The application of stainless steel honeycomb in waterjet cutting systems spans several sectors.

1.         In the automotive industry, parts are cut with a high degree of accuracy.

2.         The aerospace sector requires consistent cutting dimensions, which are maintained using honeycomb supports.

3.         In the construction industry, materials such as stone and glass are cut precisely using waterjets supported by these structures.

4.         The design and art industries also benefit from the detailed cuts produced on a supported surface.

5.         Whereas laser cutting sometimes results in a heat‐affected zone, waterjet cutting with a stainless steel honeycomb support avoids this issue. Many metal fabrication workshops have incorporated stainless steel honeycomb beds in their waterjet cutting setups for this reason.

Comparison with Other Support Materials

Alternative support materials include ceramics, plastics or composite boards.

Some alternatives may have lower initial costs but often do not deliver the durability found in stainless steel honeycomb. Ceramics may fracture when subjected to intense water pressure. Plastic supports can warp or degrade with repeated waterjet use. Composite boards are susceptible to damage from the abrasive nature of the water and cutting medium. In contrast, stainless steel honeycomb retains its dimensions and provides consistent support. Long‐term evaluations by several businesses have shown that stainless steel honeycomb is more economical due to its reusability, resistance to wear and its contribution to enhanced cutting accuracy. Its uniform structure reduces inconsistencies that might otherwise cause unexpected tool wear or imprecise cuts.

Conclusion

Waterjet cutting utilises stainless steel honeycomb in many cutting applications. The process provides cold cutting without a heat‐affected zone and is capable of processing a range of materials. Stainless steel honeycomb supplies even support, resists corrosion and minimises vibrations during cutting. Its design and performance make it a favourable choice when compared with other support materials. Sectors including aerospace, automotive and construction have reported improved outcomes when using these supports. For further honeycomb products, please check Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM).

Frequently Asked Questions

F: What are the typical pressures used in waterjet cutting?
Q: Pressures of up to 60 000 pounds per square inch are common.

F: How does stainless steel honeycomb improve cut quality?
Q: It provides secure support and minimises vibrations during the cutting process.

F: Can waterjet cutting handle thick materials?
Q: Yes, waterjet cutting processes thick materials efficiently without compromising quality.