1. When cutting under 0.100-inch thick material, little is gained by using medium (50 hp) or large (60 to 80 hp) cutting heads. Use a small parameter combination (25 hp) and consider multiple heads to increase production if needed.
2. Avoid cutting through air gaps greater than 0.020 inches. The jet tends to open up in the gap and cut the lower layer roughly. When stack cutting, keep the sheets together.
3. Smaller abrasive grains 120 mesh or smaller will produce a slightly slower, but slightly smoother surface as compared with 80 or 50 mesh.
4. Some users make the mistake of trying to reduce operating cost by minimizing the abrasive flow rate. Even though abrasive is two-thirds of the abrasive waterjet operating cost, you must produce parts quickly to consume your overhead, including labor, facilities and lease payments. Cut as fast as possible, using all available horsepower and the peak abrasive flow rate.
5. If you intend to pierce composites, glass and stone on a regular basis, ensure the system has the ability to have the water pressure lowered and raised by the controller. Also, you should investigate vacuum assist or other techniques to improve probability of successfully piercing these brittle or laminated materials.
