Water Jet Cutting

Dix offers two waterjet systems including Flow Corp’s newest 87k technology on a dual head system, and Dynamic Waterjet with Active Tolerance Control.

The Dynamic  produces more accurate parts at significantly higher cutting speeds than parts cut with a conventional waterjet. This system utilizes a newly-developed advanced motion technology that incorporates unique mathematical cutting models, which control a small, articulated wrist that is attached to the cutting head. The wrist allows the cutting head to tilt in any direction, compensating for the stream lag and taper experienced with conventional waterjet cutting machines.

• 87k system cuts parts 25% faster than conventional flat stock waterjet cutting machines
• Elimination of Heat Affected Zone
• Improve cut part tolerances and geometry at significantly higher speeds
• Virtually eliminate taper; taper is < 1 degree in straight-line geometry
• Reduce part cost though nesting
• True part stacking ability with consistent tolerance layer to layer
• Near net accuracy virtually eliminates secondary finish machining
• Cuts a variety of materials, such as metal, stone, glass, and composites
• Cut parts using virtually any CAD file, or scan a drawing directly into FlowMaster®

DIX Metals is a premier provider of precise waterjet cutting services, a capability we deliver with our two dynamic waterjet machines. Both feature active tolerance control and can cut parts up to 400% faster than conventional flat stock water jet cutting machines. They deliver improved cut part tolerances and geometry, and accommodate a variety of materials, including metal, stone, glass and composites. Beyond the precise cutting provided by DIX Metals’ waterjet cutting, our customers benefit from its’ sophisticated technology through reduced part costs through true part stacking ability and the time savings born of the machine’s easy programmability.

Water jet cutters can slice metal or other materials using a jet of water at high velocity and pressure, or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance. This machine-oriented process is basically the same as natural water erosion – but much faster and far more concentrated thanks to the gift of technology. It is often used during fabrication or manufacture of parts for machinery and other devices. A key benefit of the waterjet (as opposed to other methods of metal cutting) is its ability to cut material without interfering with the material's inherent structure. This is true because the material is not subjected to heat during cutting, and minimizing the effects of heat allows metals to be cut without interfering with its basic properties.

DIX Metals’ waterjetcutting can also produce intricate cuts in material. The kerf (width) of the cut can be changed by changing parts in the nozzle, as well as the type and size of abrasive used during cutting. Most abrasive cuts are made with a kerf in the range of 0.04" to 0.05" (1.016 to 1.27 mm), but some can be as narrow as 0.02" (0.508 mm). Non-abrasive cuts are normally 0.007" to 0.013" (0.178 to 0.33 mm), but some can be as small as 0.003" (0.0076 mm), which is approximately the size of a single human hair. Combine that precision with the fact that the water pressure on DIX Metals’ waterjetcutting machines is set between 20,000-55,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), and it’s not difficult to see why this is the cutting method preferred by many DIX Metals customers. In fact, it is the same technology used by the United States military to create parts for the F-22, the stealth bomber, and other air and spacecraft – and there may be no greater need for precision than that. Yet despite its technological superiority over more traditional methods of cutting, water jet cutting is extraordinarily easy to program; no specialized training or knowledge is required. DIX Metals clients can either provide us with a CAD file or simply submit a drawing we can scan directly into our FlowMaster®. It really is that simple. If you would like to learn more about DIX Metals and the promise of water jet cutting for your business – or for more information on DIX’s inventory and services – please contact us.

DIX Metals is a full-service stainless steel distributor and services provider. In addition to offering 6061 aluminum plate and other materials, our services include precision material removal processes and cutting such as Blanchard grinding, double-disc grinding, duplex milling, waterjet cutting and others — all dedicated to the preparation of precision, made-to-order metal blanks.