Fabricating components from soft or heat-sensitive materials, such as rubber, foam, and advanced composites, presents a distinctive set of hurdles. Standard cutting methods often introduce heat, which can lead to melting, warping, or the release of toxic fumes, compromising part quality and safety.
For precision industrial gaskets or specialised polymer components, maintaining specs and a clean finish is crucial for success. Furthermore, for the mixed-material producer, versatility needs can mean investing in multiple machines, which brings its own set of problems. Clearly, the ideal solution would be a single machine that can process without thermal damage or tooling changes.
CNC waterjet machines provide the definitive solution. As a non-thermal process, waterjet cutting ensures that even delicate plastics and foams retain their original properties and structural integrity.
The fine, high-pressure stream produces a smooth, burr-free edge that requires no secondary finishing, saving significant time and labour. This capability makes it the superior choice for high-precision applications, from automotive seals to defence industry composite panels.
A prime example would be the versatile Mach 150 - a 60000 psi waterjet cutter from Flow Waterjet. This machine can seamlessly switch from cutting soft rubber to dense composite sheets without any mechanical changes, offering remarkable flexibility from a small waterjet cutting machine.
The Mac 150 is a recent addition to the Flow water jet family (supersedes Mac 100). For workshops seeking a powerful, adaptable, and precise waterjet solution, the Mach 150 is an ideal entry point into advanced cold-cutting technology. Review its full specs and capabilities and while you are there, grab a waterjet price guide.