1. Water Jet CNC Machining Dr. Scott K. Thomas Department Mechanical & Materials Engineering Wright State University

2. Outline Water jet machining definedWater jet machining defined ApplicationsApplications Competing technologiesCompeting technologies Pros and consPros and cons

3. Water Jet Machining High pressure water stream (40,000 psi)High pressure water stream (40,000 psi) Abrasive (garnet)Abrasive (garnet) NozzleNozzle Cutting toolCutting tool

4. High pressure water in Abrasive in Nozzle assembly Water jet Flat plate stock

5. Applications Cut blanks or finished partsCut blanks or finished parts Rapid prototypingRapid prototyping Short runs of specialized partsShort runs of specialized parts

6. Competing Technologies Electro-discharge machining (Wire EDM)Electro-discharge machining (Wire EDM) Laser cutters Laser cutters

7. Pros and Cons Pros:Pros: –No work hardening of pieces –Faster than EDM or Laser –Initial cost is less Cons:Cons: –Accuracy is poor (0.003 inch) –Nozzle life is short (40 hours)