Saws go back a long way in human history.
In fact, the first clearly manufactured saws date back to around 4,000 years ago. However, hand tools have been used for sawing purposes since Neolithic times.
Clearly, mankind has long benefited from this classic tool. These days, what do you reach for when you need to saw something into bits?
A hacksaw? Did coping saw? Backsaw? Chainsaw? Tablesaw?
All viable options. But how about water saw instead?
That’s right. Saw technology has come a long way. Water might not come to mind at first. But high-pressure water jets are now arguably a better solution for your needs than any other saw, especially in certain situations.
But what can you use this waterjet tech for exactly?
Keep reading to discover the many novel uses of water saws in today’s world.
6 Top Uses of Water Saw Technology
Mankind has long utilized saws. Here are some versatile ways we’re now utilizing water saws to do the same job.1. Food Industry
You might be surprised to see the food industry first on this list.Most people associate saws with dirty warehouses and burly men, lifting and hoisting wood and metal into place! But you read correctly: waterjet technology is a growing favorite in the culinary industry.
In actuality, this industry was one of the first to adopt the technology. This is a USDA-approved cutting method. Think about major food operations. Heaps of produce need cutting efficiently, quickly, cleanly, and properly.
Water saws are perfectly suited to the task. No bacteria is transferred to the food from dirty blades. Likewise, no blade means no nasty cuts and no need for sharpening. Food of all varieties, from fruit and vegetables to candy bars and cakes, can be cut without issue.
Constant operation is possible, and there’s zero wastage (the water jets cut with a kerf the same width as a human hair).
2. Metalwork
What’s that? Water? Cutting metal?Yes. Sounds crazy, right?
But again, you read correctly. The metal of all shapes, sizes, and varieties are no match for a high-pressure jet of water. That’s because of the immense power of the stream of water. The pressurized water can reach as high as 5,200 bars (that’s 75,000 psi!).
This stream of water is so intense and forced through an orifice so minuscule, that it can cleanly cut almost anything in its way. Metalwork has been revolutionized.
Whether it’s titanium, copper, iron or aluminium, water saws do the job quickly and easily.
An added benefit is the lack of heat that gets created. These cuts are often made underwater to avoid splashback. That means no stress from mechanical cutting, and no heat affected zone either. And that’s better for business.
3. De-Barking Trees
Water jets are good for stripping as well as cutting.That’s why they’re favorite tools of loggers around the country. You don’t need as much pressure as for metal (think 350 bars, as opposed to 5,000). But these jets can still be used to strip the bark from a freshly cut tree without any issue.
Traditional removal of tree bark exposes the wood to the elements. This requires artificial impregnation of the wood with a protective substance- an expensive and time-consuming additional step.
But water jets create no such issue. The bark is stripped cleanly away, leaving the naturally protective cambium behind. No addition preservation measures are required.
4. Glass Cutting
The sawing of glass might sound risky. After all, wouldn’t it smash?Not when you use water for the task.
All sorts of industries are now utilizing this water-based glass-cutting technology. Building-work, ballistics companies, bottle manufacturers, laboratories and so on all benefit from it.
You can make holes and intricate cuts as standard, and in relation to need. Even the most fragile glasses can be cut. Tricky and time-consuming traditional forms of glass cutting, such as etching and breaking, are far simpler this way.
It’s easy to achieve high-levels of detail, and cuts down on waste production. Glass cutting processes are sped up too, and become generally more efficient.
5. Stonework
Stone cutting is another use for water jet machine technology.Similarly to metalwork, you might be surprised that water can cut through it! We’re used to the idea of water wearing rocks smooth over time. But cutting them in half? That’s another story.
It’s possible though and done in a mass scale these days. The type of rock doesn’t matter either. Marble, granite, limestone…Water saws cut them all, and with precision. Likewise, holes can be cut wherever they’re needed.
The benefits of water jet tech here are ones we’ve already seen. Wastage is kept to a minimum, complex cutting isn’t an issue, the process is quick, productivity improves, and so on.
Learn more about the benefits of waterjet by clicking that link.
6. Aerospace and Automotive industries
Here are two examples of industries that benefit from the use of water saws.Both aerospace and automotive companies require precision-made components of all manner of expensive materials. It’s in their interest for waste to be kept low. The parts required must be perfectly cut to be fit for purpose.
Think engines, titanium bodies, insulation, interior trim work, bumpers, and circuit boards and so on. Each must be produced quickly and at scale. The implications of erroneous work can be catastrophic.
Waterjet tech is put to good use in both.
Time to Wrap Up
There you have it: 6 top uses for a water saw within waterjet technology.Saws have been an essential tool throughout our long history. Since Neolithic times we’ve needed to cut through materials. Technology has come a long way since then though. Indeed, we’ve got to a point where water is now doing the job.
Intense, high pressured water jets can now cut through virtually anything we need them to. All manner of industries around the world is benefiting from the tech. Hopefully, this post has highlighted some of the primary uses of this ground-breaking saw technology!
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