Water Jet Cutting In The Wrong Hands

Highlighting the global importance of water jet cutting, we read with interest recently that not only is the technology being used in production of weapons, but also that it is a tech being used by all sides.

An ability to make parts accurately and in a cost-efficient manner will always be desirable whatever the industry and so it is hardly surprising that military contractors now heavily utilise water jet cutting. Indeed, this has been the case for some time.

However there are now reports that Russia is taking stock of high tech water jet cutting machinery via circuitous routes that breach sanctions imposed.

A recent report stated that:

Investigators from The Insider media reported that this is happening despite the fact that the United States has imposed an embargo on machine tools and their components.

The banned U.S.-made equipment comes through countries such as Turkey, China, Hong Kong, the UAE, and the Maldives. 

The report continued

The equipment was supplied by the Russian company Energy Industries LLC, which employs only three people and has an estimated cost of 18,000 rubles, indicating that it is an intermediary activity without production.

The machine was purchased through Yinuo Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. registered in Hong Kong.

As with all cutting technologies, water jet cutting can be used for a huge array of tasks, these ranging from industrial and manufacturing to art and hobbyists.

And the technology’s many advantages also make it appealing to all. It is the most cost efficient form of cutting, it requires only water and an abrasive within the machine, it cuts accurately and, with no heat created, does not damage the cut edge.

Unfortunately, as with any leading tech, this makes it appealing to all.

Read more on this story.