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Waterjet Cutting Brass: Precision, Efficiency, And Cost Benefits

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AC五轴切割的样件 (24)

AC五轴切割的样件 (22)

Why Use a Waterjet Cutting Machine for Brass?

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.

Advantages of Waterjet Cutting Brass

1. Zero Heat-Affected Zones (HAZ)

Brass melts at 900–940°C, making it sensitive to heat. Waterjet cutting uses cold-cutting technology, preventing warping, discoloration, or structural changes.

2. High Precision and Complex Designs

Waterjet machines achieve tolerances of ±0.1mm, ideal for intricate components like electrical connectors or engraved decorative panels.

3. Material Efficiency

No kerf loss from heat distortion means higher material utilization. Nesting software optimizes brass sheet layouts, reducing scrap by up to 25%.

4. Versatility Across Thicknesses

Waterjets cut brass from foil-thin 0.5mm to heavy 150mm plates with consistent quality.

Waterjet Cutting Brass: Technical Parameters

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

Cost Analysis: Waterjet vs. Laser Cutting

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.

Applications of Waterjet-Cut Brass

1. Electronics and Electrical Components

  • 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.

2. Architectural and Decorative Art

  • 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.

3. Marine and Plumbing Systems

  • Corrosion-resistant valves, fittings, and pipe connectors.

How to Optimize Brass Cutting with Waterjet Machines

1. Select the Right Abrasive

  • Use 80-mesh garnet for faster cuts on thick brass (e.g., 50mm).

  • 120-mesh garnet ensures smoother finishes for thin sheets.

2. Adjust Pressure and Speed

  • 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.

3. Minimize Abrasive Costs

  • Closed-loop recycling systems recover 80–90% of garnet, cutting abrasive expenses by 35%.

4. Post-Processing Tips

  • Waterjet-cut brass typically requires no deburring. For mirror finishes, use light tumbling with ceramic media.

Choosing the Best Waterjet Cutting Machine for Brass

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.

Case Study: Automotive Brass Gear Manufacturing

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.

Conclusion

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.

Keywords: waterjet cutting brass, waterjet cutting machine, brass cutting precision, abrasive waterjet systems, waterjet vs laser cutting.


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