Comparison of Precision Abrasive Waterjet to Milling
Key mill or machining center strengths
- A well-understood familiar technology
- Able to make three-dimensional parts
- Rapid production if set up and programmed for long-run parts
Key precision abrasive waterjet strengths
- Very rapid programming and set up does not require a highly trained
operator
- Very low cutting loads mean fixturing is easier, and intricate and delicate parts can be machined
- One cutting tool performs all machining functions in all materials,
so there is no need to purchase and calibrate multiple cutting tools
- Large cutting envelope compared to a machining center of comparable
price
- Minimal burr compared to conventional machining
- Environmentally friendly; no oil-soaked chips and minimal scrap
The key reasons traditional job shops buy precision abrasivejets are to get new projects, become more competitive, and make more money.