Waterjets are without a doubt the best cutting tools available. But did you know that this state-of-the-art technology can also be used to create 3-D images as well? Specially designed waterjet software now makes etching beautiful, complex designs into everything from wood to metal easier than ever before.
The basics of waterjet etching
You can make waterjet etchings by moving the cutting nozzle at a traverse speed faster than its maximum cutting speed. When this happens, the abrasive stream coming out of the nozzle can only create grooves in the material you are working with rather than full cuts.
By reducing the water pressure and the abrasive flow rate, you lessen power at the cutting nozzle. This lowers the required traverse speed and provides better depth control. Low nozzle power also helps keep cutting depth variations – which occur when the nozzle has to slow down for corners and bends – at an acceptable rate.
The depth of the groove you ultimately create using this method depends on nozzle power, material properties, and the traverse speed. It’s worth bearing in mind, too, that deeper cuts result can result not only from using a slower speed but also from working with softer materials like wood.
