Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-03-24 Origin: Site
Brass, a copper-zinc alloy, is widely used in electronics, plumbing, and decorative applications due to its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. However, traditional cutting methods like laser or plasma often struggle with brass’s thermal conductivity and softness. Waterjet cutting machines offer a superior solution, combining precision, speed, and versatility without compromising material integrity.
Brass melts at 900–940°C, making it sensitive to heat. Waterjet cutting uses cold-cutting technology, preventing warping, discoloration, or structural changes.
Waterjet machines achieve tolerances of ±0.1mm, ideal for intricate components like electrical connectors or engraved decorative panels.
No kerf loss from heat distortion means higher material utilization. Nesting software optimizes brass sheet layouts, reducing scrap by up to 25%.
Waterjets cut brass from foil-thin 0.5mm to heavy 150mm plates with consistent quality.
Below are typical cutting specifications for brass using abrasive waterjet systems:
Brass Thickness (mm) | Cutting Speed (mm/min) | Abrasive Garnet (lbs/hour) | Tolerance (±mm) |
---|---|---|---|
1.0 | 1,800 | 1.2 | 0.1 |
5.0 | 600 | 2.8 | 0.15 |
10.0 | 300 | 4.5 | 0.2 |
50.0 | 40 | 8.0 | 0.3 |
Source: Waterjet Cutting Association (WCA) Brass Cutting Guidelines
While laser cutting is faster for thin brass, waterjet offers unique advantages:
Factor | Waterjet Cutting | Laser Cutting |
---|---|---|
Heat Damage | None | Risk of edge melting |
Max Thickness | 150mm | 25mm |
Operating Cost/Hour | 25–25–40 | 30–30–50 |
Material Waste | 5–10% | 15–20% |
Note: Waterjet’s cold-cutting eliminates post-processing for heat-sensitive applications.
Precision-cut terminals, connectors, and shielding parts with burr-free edges.
Example: A Japanese electronics supplier reduced defects by 40% switching from stamping to waterjet.
Intricate patterns for door handles, lighting fixtures, and wall panels.
Example: A Dubai hotel used waterjet-cut brass screens for a 20m² art installation with 0.2mm precision.
Corrosion-resistant valves, fittings, and pipe connectors.
Use 80-mesh garnet for faster cuts on thick brass (e.g., 50mm).
120-mesh garnet ensures smoother finishes for thin sheets.
For thin brass (<3mm), reduce pressure to 60,000 PSI to minimize deformation.
Pair with Dynamic Waterjet Software to auto-admit settings based on thickness.
Closed-loop recycling systems recover 80–90% of garnet, cutting abrasive expenses by 35%.
Waterjet-cut brass typically requires no deburring. For mirror finishes, use light tumbling with ceramic media.
Consider these features when selecting a system:
5-Axis Capability: For angled cuts in 3D brass components.
Intelligent Pump Control: Maintains consistent pressure for variable thicknesses.
Eco-Friendly Design: Garnet recycling and low-energy pumps reduce operational costs.
Client: European automotive supplier
Challenge: Cut 10mm brass gears with <0.15mm tolerance and zero heat stress.
Solution:
Installed a 5-axis abrasive waterjet machine.
Used 120-mesh garnet and optimized nesting software.
Results:
Cost Savings: 30% lower than CNC milling.
Throughput: 200 gears/hour with 99.7% accuracy.
Waterjet cutting machines are the optimal choice for brass due to their cold-cutting precision, versatility, and cost efficiency. By leveraging advanced abrasives, smart software, and recycling systems, manufacturers achieve flawless cuts for applications ranging from microelectronics to large-scale art.
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