Waterjet Glass Cutting: Advantages, Applications, How to Cut Glass on a Waterjet

2023.4.27

Waterjet glass cutting is a process that uses a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive particles to cut through glass. The water is pressurized and then forced through a tiny nozzle at extremely high speeds, which creates a powerful jet that can cut through a variety of materials, including glass. This article will discuss waterjet glass cutting and its various benefits and applications. You will also learn many tips on how to cut glass with a water jet cutter. 

 

How to Cut Glass on a Waterjet?

To cut glass on a waterjet, you need to follow these steps:

– Prepare the glass: First, clean the glass thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust or oils. Then, place it on the cutting bed and secure it in place using clamps or other fixtures.

– Choose the right nozzle and abrasive: Select the appropriate nozzle size and abrasive type for the thickness and type of glass you are cutting.

– Program the cutting path: Use CAD software to create a digital drawing or design of the glass part you want to cut. Then, import the design into the waterjet machine’s software and program the cutting path.

– Set the cutting parameters: Adjust the waterjet’s cutting parameters, such as pressure, speed, and flow rate, to achieve the best cutting results.

– Test cut: Before cutting the actual glass part, perform a test cut on a piece of scrap glass to make sure the settings and cutting path are correct.

– Start the cutting process: Once the test cut is successful, begin the cutting process by activating the waterjet and following the programmed cutting path.

– Inspect the cut: Once the cutting is complete, carefully remove the glass from the cutting bed and inspect the cut for any defects or imperfections.

– Finish the edges: Depending on the desired end use, you may need to finish the edges of the cut glass using techniques such as polishing or sandblasting.

 

What are the Advantages of Using a Water Jet to Cut Glass?

There are several benefits of using a water jet to cut glass, including:
– Precise cuts: Water jet cutting is a highly precise method that can cut complex shapes and intricate designs with high accuracy, making it an ideal choice for cutting glass.
– Clean cuts: Water jet cutting does not produce any heat, which means that it does not create any thermal stress that can cause glass to crack or shatter. This results in clean, smooth cuts with no chipping or splintering.
– Versatility: Water jet cutting can be used to cut a wide range of glass thicknesses and types, including tempered glass, laminated glass, and annealed glass.
– No tool wear: Unlike other cutting methods such as sawing or milling, water jet cutting does not use any cutting tools that can wear out over time, reducing the need for frequent tool replacements.
– Environmentally friendly: Water jet cutting is an environmentally friendly method that does not produce any harmful byproducts or emit any fumes, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice for cutting glass.
– Cost-effective: While water jet cutting equipment can be expensive, it can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to other cutting methods because it reduces material waste and does not require the use of expensive cutting tools.

 

Applications of Waterjet Cutting Glass

Waterjet cutting glass has a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some of the most common applications of waterjet cutting glass:

– Architectural Glass: Waterjet cutting glass can be used to create custom architectural glass for buildings, such as decorative glass panels, custom windows, and staircases.

– Glass Art: Waterjet cutting glass is an excellent technique for creating intricate glass art designs, such as sculptures, murals, and custom glass signage.

– Automotive Glass: Waterjet cutting glass is used in the automotive industry to cut and shape specialized glass components for vehicles, such as windshields, sunroofs, and side mirrors.

– Electronics: Waterjet cutting glass is used to create precision glass components for electronics, such as smartphone screens, LCD screens, and touchscreens.

– Medical Equipment: Waterjet cutting glass is used to create precision glass components for medical equipment, such as microscopes, surgical instruments, and diagnostic devices.

– Furniture: Waterjet cutting glass is used to create custom glass furniture, such as tabletops, shelves, and decorative glass accents.

– Aerospace: Waterjet cutting glass is used in the aerospace industry to create specialized glass components for aircraft, such as cockpit displays, windows, and avionics.

FacebookLinkedInPin