Waterjet Technology:
Alpha Granite Inc. is aware of the endless possibilities that computerized equipment gives us. We feel that our company should move forward with the times and unlike some traditional granite companies, we are not afraid of modern technology. We are equipped with state of the art waterjet cutting systems. These unique cutting systems give us the ability to design right on the computer and use an American CAM system. Computerized design and fabrication will not only allow increased production and faster fabrication but also enable us to provide our customers with intricate designs and custom-created artwork. It also enhances the quality of our work and enables us to be at the cutting edge of the stone industry.
About Waterjet Cutting Systems:
Waterjet is a very versatile, environmentally clean process. Its very versatility in cutting almost any material and its lack of impact on these materials is making waterjet machining a tool of choice as either the only tool used, or to complement other processes.
The process of waterjet cutting is quite simple. Water is pressurized to 60,000 psi by hydraulic intensification, and then forced through a small orifice in the cutting head. Inside a mixing tube, abrasive is mixed with the high pressure water, creating an abrasive waterjet stream that exits the nozzle at about 1.5 times the speed of sound. Through a combination of micro-erosion (grinding) and a shear yielding of the material a narrow section of material (called the kerf) is removed all the way through the thickness.
Benefits of Waterjet Cutting:
- More versatile than other processes - Waterjet cuts most materials, including metals, plastics, stone (manufactured and natural), glass, foam, and ceramics. Because there is no heat and no work induced stress incurred in the cutting process, almost any material is suitable for waterjet cutting.
- Ability to cut the thinnest sheet, to material over 6 inches thick - Waterjet allows stacking of materials, and cuts a variety of thicknesses, adding productivity to the cutting process.
- Provides a cleaner edge with minimal post cutting processes - The non invasive waterjet cutting process generates a high quality finish which looks like a fine sandblasted finish on most materials, and eliminates a majority of post process finishing.
- Fits well with other types of material processing - Waterjet, either abrasive or straight water, can be used as a partner for other processes in fabrication and machining. It even makes an excellent mate for lasers, providing superior quality on aluminum and high finish materials, as well as extending the thickness range on conventional materials such as stainless steel.
- Environmentally safe and clean – Waterjet cutting involves no chemicals, gases or noxious liquids used in the cutting process. Abrasive waterjet cutting uses garnet (a high grade sand) as the abrasive, resulting in a very clean process that is preferable to other methods of cutting in terms of environmental impact and resulting disposal of by products and waste water. It does not create dust when cutting stone, thus providing a safer work environment for companies using the process to waterjet cut stone inlays and countertops.
What can you do with a Waterjet?
Any tile or stone, natural or engineered, can be cut with an abrasive waterjet. In abrasive cutting, water under ultra high pressure is mixed with an abrasive (normally garnet) producing an extremely powerful cutting tool that can be used to cut even the most delicate or brittle material such as glass. Yet, there is no effect on the material itself - no heat affected zone or stress to the material. This means less breakage and lower production costs.
Because waterjet is more productive than other cutting methods, it eliminates secondary processes and produces high quality parts, the first time. Because there is no heat or chemical impact to material, material yields are greatly improved. And, you can stack thin materials or cut materials up to 6 inches thick, with no tool changes. Straight cuts, holes, curved corners and even contoured cutting are accomplished easily, with no programming needed. Features such as nesting and auto height sensing improve utilization of materials, as well as reducing operator time.
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