Waterjet technology, leveraging the unique kinetic energy and controllability of high-pressure, high-speed fluids, has expanded into a wide range of applications, encompassing materials processing, surface treatment, cleaning and obstacle removal, and specialized processes. Its applicability extends beyond different materials and forms to various industrial and consumer sectors, becoming a highly versatile technology in modern manufacturing and maintenance engineering.
In materials processing, waterjet technology is used for metals, stone, glass, ceramics, composite materials, plastics, and food. Pure waterjet, due to its lack of heat-affected zones and smooth cuts, is commonly used for precision cutting of soft or heat-sensitive materials such as paper, fabric, rubber, and thin-walled plastics. Abrasive waterjet, with added abrasive particles, can efficiently process hard metals, granite, concrete, and carbon fiber composites, enabling the shaping and drilling of complex contours. Whether cutting aerospace structural components or carving patterns on architectural decorative stone, waterjet technology can achieve a balance between precision and efficiency by adjusting pressure and parameters.
In the field of surface treatment and cleaning, waterjet applications cover processes such as paint removal, rust removal, coating removal, scale removal, and surface activation. Biodegradation and rust layers on ship hulls, old paint films on bridge steel structures, and scale buildup on the inner walls of heat exchanger tubes in energy equipment can all be rapidly removed using high-pressure pure water or abrasive waterjet jets without damaging the substrate. In municipal engineering, waterjet jets are used for road marking removal, asphalt pavement milling, and frozen soil excavation, demonstrating broad adaptability for infrastructure maintenance.
In specialized processes and emergency applications, waterjet jets also exhibit unique applications. For example, in mining, they are used for coal seam water injection to suppress dust and pre-fracture rocks; in cultural relic preservation, they are used for non-destructive cleaning of fragile stone and painted surfaces; in fire and rescue operations, they are used for obstacle removal and smoke suppression; and in food processing, they are used for peeling fruits and vegetables and shelling seafood, balancing hygiene and efficiency. Their cold-processing characteristics give waterjet jets an irreplaceable advantage in flammable, explosive, or heat-sensitive environments.
In terms of technical parameters, waterjet operating pressures can range from tens of megapascals to over four hundred megapascals. Variations in flow rate and nozzle diameter allow for jet diameters ranging from sub-millimeters to several centimeters, enabling cross-scale processing from fine engraving to large-area peeling to meet diverse operational needs. The introduction of CNC systems further expands the application scope, making 3D complex trajectory cutting, multi-axis linkage machining, and automated production line operations possible.
Overall, the application scope of waterjet technology is centered on material versatility, process diversity, and environmental adaptability, spanning multiple sectors including industrial manufacturing, construction engineering, transportation, energy and environmental protection, cultural relic preservation, and public safety. It has become a versatile high-energy fluid technology with both breadth and depth, continuously providing efficient, green, and flexible solutions for various industries.
