Updated: June 22, 2022
Abrasive jet cutting is quickly becoming popular in many industries around the world, especially in the oilfield.
This powerful and versatile tool can be used to cut any material in a way that is safe for both the environment and for the workers.
Are you new to abrasive jet cutting and curious about how it works? Keep reading to learn more about this innovative technology and how it can benefit the oilfield industry:
What is Abrasive Jet Cutting and How Does It Work?
Abrasive jet cutting, or waterjet cutting, is an erosion process that is used for cutting a wide variety of materials.
Highly pressurized water is moved through a nozzle into a chamber where the pressure creates a vacuum that pulls sand into the stream. When it’s directed at an object, the particles erode the material at such a high speed that it “cuts” the object.
Depending on how dense the material is, granular abrasives can be added to the waterjet to increase its cutting power. Because the abrasive is added to the nozzle, the waterjet cutter can be switched between abrasive cutting and only water easily.
Abrasive Jet Cutting is Efficient and Cost-Effective
Waterjet cutting is capable of fast and accurate cuts, improving productivity and increasing the amount of work that can get done during the day.
Jet cutting provides high-quality cuts so there is typically no need for additional edge treatment. By skipping the finishing process, waterjet cutting saves money as well as time.
Abrasive Jet Cutting Creates Smooth Edges and Precise Cuts
Again, abrasive jet cutting creates smooth edges and precise cuts, providing a high-quality, burr-free edge.
The combination of speed, pressure, nozzle size, and abrasive flow rate all contribute to smooth edges and eliminate the need for a secondary finish.
The cutting accuracy of a waterjet cutter is ±0.038 to ±0.2mm but this can vary between machines.
The precision and accuracy of waterjet cutting make it a popular choice around the world for oilfield jobs that require intricate designs and high tolerance.
Abrasive Jet Cutting is Versatile and Flexible
They say that if it can’t be cut by waterjet then it can’t be cut! Abrasive jet cutting can efficiently cut almost any job or material that is required such as:
Aluminum
Hardened Steel
Marble and Granite
Plastics
Ceramics
Automotive Components
Glass
Cork
Rubber
Neoprene
Foam
The needle-sharp cutting stream of a water jet cutter can handle any shape and thickness!
Abrasive Jet Cutting Does Not Use Heat or Explosives
Abrasive jet cutting is a cold-cutting process that does not use heat or explosives. Not only does this make this form of cutting extremely safe but it also eliminates issues caused by heat distortion and hardened edges.
This is particularly beneficial when it comes to metal fabrication and products that require additional machining after cutting. When it comes to steel fabrication, hot cutting can cause problems with accurate fitting and distortion.
Additionally, heat-generated cutting processes change the molecular structure of steel and can jeopardize its integrity and performance.
Abrasive Jet Cutting Requires No Tool Changes
You can use a waterjet cutter on a variety of products so there is no need to change cutting tools when changing from material to material.
All it takes is a simple adjustment of the feed rate to match the type and thickness of the material you are working with - saving you time and money!
Waterjet equipment typically includes software that makes it easy to integrate into your oilfield job. It’s also easy to unload, set up, and handle because the process uses low reaction forces.
Abrasive Jet Cutting is Environmentally-Friendly
Overall, abrasive jet cutting is environmentally-friendly and will help your oilfield site reduce its carbon footprint.
Because waterjet cutting does not require heat, there is little to no hazardous waste released into the atmosphere because the water carries away the majority of the particles created during the cutting process.
The abrasive used in this equipment is also non-toxic and both the abrasive and the water are recycled through a closed-loop system.
Lastly, because abrasive jet cutting is precise, there is less wasted material since the amount of scrap produced by cutting is reduced significantly.
Abrasive Jet Cutting in The Oilfield
NuWave is North America’s leading water jet cutting resource!
Our abrasive jet cutting tools are the result of years of research and development. We are passionate about perfecting our craft and offer the most efficient tools in the industry.
Water jet cutting is an environmentally-friendly and safe solution.
Let our experience and innovation help you perfect your next project! Click here to learn more about our water jet cutting services or contact us for more information.
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