Any metal product starts like a sheet, plate, rod, or tube, and it has to be cut and shaped to become a useful object. There are many different methods used in metal fabrication, and some of the most common involve cutting into raw metal. Metal cutters often use heat to melt or burn away material, but heat can sometimes cause damage to sensitive metals. An alternative to heat is a water jet. The following are some of the benefits of using a water jet according to a Metal Distributor Seattle WA.
A Water Jet Is Safer For Metals Than Heat
The first advantage of a water jet is that there is no risk of burning, melting, or warping a piece of metal due to exposure to intense heat. A water jet uses a highly pressurized stream of water with a small amount of an abrasive material (often garnet). Also, a water jet does not result in any hazardous gas emission, making it safer for workers as well as for the material itself.
A Water Jet Is Fast
Operating a water jet is fairly simple because it can cut in different directions without requiring a change of tools. Due to its simplicity and speed, a water jet is one of the fastest cutting tools available in metal fabrication.
A Water Jet Works On All Kinds Of Materials
There is very little that a water jet can’t cut. In addition to aluminum and stainless steel, a water jet can also cut materials like stone, carbon fiber, composites, and layered materials. In a metal fabrication shop, there is often a need to work with other materials that serve as components of a larger metal project.
A Water Jet Is A Highly Versatile Tool
Another big advantage of a water jet is the fact that it can do all kinds of jobs. It can etch lettering into signage, it can carve architectural details in wood or marble, and it can even replace metal stamping.
A water jet is a valuable tool and no metal shop should be without one. Visit the website to learn more about metal cutting tools from a Metal Distributor Seattle WA or contact Specialty Metals.
