Cutting plastic requires more than a sharp edge. Heat can distort sensitive materials, affect edge quality and create unwanted finishing work. This is why it requires specialist knowledge and precision to get the best results when cutting plastic.
Our Water jet cutting service for plastics offers a precise, versatile alternative, using a high-pressure jet of water to cut a wide range of plastic materials without the heat associated with many traditional cutting methods.
At TMC Waterjet, our water jet cutting technology can support projects that require accurate dimensions, intricate shapes and consistent results. Ultimately, we are able to provide you with the components or production parts you need to meet your demands!
Click here, call 01625 610 441 or email info@tmcwaterjet.co.uk (info) or nigel@tmcwaterjet.co.uk (sales) to speak to our exceptional team and get the best results for your investment!
What Is Water Jet Cutting for Plastics?
Water jet cutting is a cold cutting process that uses an extremely high-pressure jet of water to cut material. It allows for a more precise cut and doesn’t melt or burn through the workpiece, unlike a laser.
Pure waterjet cutting is often suitable for softer materials and many thinner plastics, while abrasive waterjet cutting can be considered for applications involving harder materials or other material requirements.
How Does the Waterjet Cutting Process Work?
The waterjet cutting process begins with a high-pressure pump that pressurises water before sending it through high-pressure tubing to the cutting head. The water passes through a small nozzle, producing a concentrated, high-speed jet capable of cutting suitable plastic materials.
There are two main approaches to waterjet cutting.
Pure Waterjet Cutting
Pure waterjet cutting uses high-pressure water without an abrasive substance.
When cutting softer materials, it is the perfect choice. The resulting finish is usually a piece of plastic with a clean and accurate cut, which is easier to achieve as this is a cold cutting process.
So, if our experts at TMC Waterjet are cutting thinner plastics, for example, they will likely opt for pure waterjet cutting to ensure the dimensions of the final product.
Abrasive Waterjet Cutting
As the name suggests, abrasive waterjet cutting introduces an abrasive material into the water jet to increase its cutting capability. The water and abrasive combine within a mixing chamber, where the abrasive inlet feeds the material into the jet stream before it exits through the cutting nozzle.
It has to be noted that abrasive waterjet cutting is less common with plastics, but not unheard of. This method of cutting is usually used to cut metals, stone, glass and other harder materials.
Which Plastics Can Be Cut Using Waterjet Technology?
Waterjet cutting plastics can be used for a wide range of materials. However, different plastics respond differently to the cutting process, so material selection and machine settings are important.
Examples of plastics that may be suitable for waterjet cutting include:
- Polyethene terephthalate (PET)
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
The great thing about waterjet cutting is that it can be used in pretty much all plastic materials. The cutting process may be slightly different, as not every plastic behaves in the same way.
Ultimately, for that perfect result, water jet cutting is one of the best ways to get what you need done without causing damage to the plastic.
The Benefits of Water Jet Cutting on Plastics
Waterjet cutting offers several advantages over traditional cutting methods, particularly when working with plastics that are sensitive to heat or require intricate profiles.
- No Heat Affected Zone: Waterjet cutting does not use heat to cut the plastic, helping to minimise heat damage, melting and thermal distortion.
- Precise Cuts and Complex Shapes: A waterjet cutter can follow programmed cutting paths to produce complex shapes, detailed profiles and intricate patterns.
- Reduced Secondary Finishing: Thanks to the clean edges and accurate profiles, secondary finishing will become a thing of the past.
- Versatility Across Materials: Virtually cut any material that is compatible with the process.
- No Thermal Cutting Fumes: No heat-generated harmful fumes when working with plastics, as it is a cold cutting process.
What Affects Waterjet Cutting Accuracy?
The bad news is that there are several factors that can affect the cutting accuracy of a waterjet cutter. However, the good news is that these are all easy to avoid for professionals with years of expertise in the field.
These factors include:
- Not fully knowing the properties of the plastic being cut, such as the material type and thickness.
- Wrong pressure on the water jet cutter
- Setting the speed too high or too low on the water jet cutting machine
- Condition of the nozzle delivering the stream
- Complexity of the design needed
Luckily, all of these factors can be avoided by an experienced company, such as TMC Waterjet. Our team would ensure all the groundwork is done prior to the cutting process, so that tolerances are met!
Applications of Plastic Waterjet Cutting
Waterjet cutting plastics supports a wide range of manufacturing and fabrication applications.
Typical applications may include:
- Industrial components: Custom plastic parts, machine guards, panels and protective components.
- Engineering prototypes: One-off parts and development components used to assess designs before larger production runs.
- Electrical and electronic equipment: Suitable plastic housings, insulation components and mounting parts.
- Automotive manufacturing: Selected interior, trim and functional plastic components.
- Signage and displays: Decorative panels, lettering and intricate profiles.
- Specialist manufacturing: Custom shapes and components designed for specific equipment or industrial applications.
Waterjet cutting is also used across sectors such as manufacturing, construction and product development. Its versatility is what makes it such a great way to cut plastic and other materials.
Why Choose TMC Waterjet for Plastic Cutting?
When it comes down to cutting plastic, or any other materials, you want a company you can trust to get it right. Well, that’s why you should choose TMC Waterjet for your cutting needs.
We have helped businesses across numerous industries when the dimensions, tight tolerances, and requirements have been very strict. Yet, we continue to deliver what our clients need from us.
We do this because our team takes the time to understand what our clients need, allowing us to be more than a contractor, but more like a trusted partner. In other words, your needs and success are ours.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Dynamic & Dynamic XD technology for enhanced accuracy
- Experience working with high-value and precision aluminium components
- Support for prototypes, batch work, and full production runs
- Consistent quality and clear communication throughout your project
If you are considering waterjet cutting plastics, contact TMC Waterjet to discuss your material, design and project requirements.
Click here, call 01625 610 441 or email info@tmcwaterjet.co.uk (info) or nigel@tmcwaterjet.co.uk (sales) to get in touch with us today!