AUTODESK FUSION FOR WATERJET CUTTING

Waterjet Cutting Software

Specialised tools for CNC waterjet cutting in Autodesk Fusion ensure precise and accurate results. With features like nesting and path optimisation, you can optimise material usage, minimise waste and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

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What is a waterjet?

A waterjet, also known as a waterjet cutter, is a machine that uses a high-pressure jet of water to cut or shape various materials. It is a versatile cutting tool used in industries such as manufacturing, engineering and fabrication.

waterjet cutting works by pressurising water and directing it through a small orifice at very high speeds. The pressure is typically generated by a high-pressure pump, which can produce pressures up to 90,000 pounds per square inch (psi) or sometimes even higher.

waterjet cutting can produce intricate shapes and is used for both straight cuts and complex curves. This is a preferred method for cutting materials that may be too delicate for other processes or where minimal material wastage is desired.

What is waterjet cutting software?

waterjet cutting software revolutionises the manufacturing process by granting manufacturers full control over waterjet machines. With CAM software, manufacturers can gain access to powerful tools for directing and regulating waterjet nozzles across multiple axes, ranging from 2D to 5-axis capabilities.

This technology allows the creation of intricate features on a wide range of materials. This includes metals, wood, composites, sheet products, stone, foam and plastic. The result is the production of high-quality components in large quantities, with exceptional precision and efficiency.

Laser cutting vs. waterjet cutting

waterjet cutting and laser cutting offer distinct advantages depending on the requirements of a project. Laser cutting uses a high-powered, heat-intensive laser to cut metals, plastics, and composites. It's particularly effective for thinner materials, yet it introduces the possibility of heat-affected zones (HAZ), potentially altering material properties around the cut.

waterjet cutting is ideal for precise, clean cuts and uses a cold-cutting process that protects material integrity and avoids the risk of distortion due to thermal stress. It is optimal for cutting thicker materials including steel, aluminium, titanium, plastics and copper. waterjet cutting can handle a wider range of materials, making it a versatile choice for many applications where preserving material integrity is crucial.

Industries using waterjet cutting software

See examples of industries utilising waterjet cutting for manufacturing.

Automotive

waterjet cutting is used to make a wide range of component parts commonly found in vehicles. This includes interior trim, body panels (in both metals and fibreglass), exhaust and braking systems, insulation, gaskets, bumpers and more.

Aerospace

waterjet cutting is used to make component parts including body parts, cabin panels, custom structural parts and landing gear. It is also used for processing exotic alloys found in engine components such as turbines and guide vanes.

Medical

waterjet cutting software is frequently used to make parts and components in the medical equipment industry. These include items such as surgical instruments, artificial limbs, braces, prototypes and orthopaedic appliances.

Sheet metal fabrication

waterjet cutting is used to make sheet metal parts for different industries. Parts are cut to size and specification before being assembled for use in building enclosures, furniture, architectural works, or food and beverage components.

Construction

waterjet cutting is used to cut a wide range of materials such as metals, stone, tiles and marble. It is also effective for slicing granite, concrete, glass, composite materials, insulation, bespoke elements and other architectural components.

Electronics

waterjet cutting is used in the electronics sector to cut aluminium, copper plates, insulators, and heat sinks. It is also used to cut electronic enclosures, metal panels, gaskets and seals, flexible circuits, ceramic substrates, alloys and plastics.

Features of waterjet cutting software

Powerful design tools

Whether you're importing existing 2D designs or starting from scratch, the intuitive interface in Autodesk Fusion allows you to sketch and define complex geometries with ease, along with providing complete control over dimensions, tolerances and other design parameters, ensuring your designs are accurate and precise.

Integrated CAM capabilities

Maximise efficiency and minimise waste (US Site) while saving time and money by fine-tuning feed rates, and cutting speeds to achieve optimal results for different materials and thicknesses.

Realistic simulation & verfication

Eliminate guesswork and reduce errors with simulation tools (US Site) in Autodesk Fusion. Visualise and verify the entire waterjet cutting process before execution.

Catch potential issues in the virtual environment to avoid costly mistakes and achieve the highest level of precision in your cuts.

Seamless G-code generation

Autodesk Fusion simplifies the process of generating G-code (US Site), by automatically generating machine-readable G-code based on your design and toolpath parameters. This seamless integration ensures compatibility with a wide range of waterjet cutting machines and enables smooth communication between the software and the hardware.

Nesting and fabrication

The Fusion Manufacturing Extension optimises material usage by arranging multiple parts on a single sheet of material, helping to minimise waterjet cutting waste and maximise efficiency.

Benefits of waterjet cutting software

Accuracy

waterjet cutting can achieve high levels of accuracy with profile tolerances of ±0.1mm. This accuracy means waterjet cutting can match the stringent standards for automotive, aerospace, consumer products and more.

Quality

waterjet machining creates high-quality, warp-resistant parts with minimum heat. CAM software controls nozzle pressure, traverse speeds, lead-in/out motions and more.

Efficiency

waterjet machining is efficient because tool nozzles may be swapped to alter kerf thicknesses. This lowers machine downtime and increases flexibility.

Using waterjet cutting software to reduce costs

Cost reduction

waterjet cutting software's nesting tools enable batch manufacturing. Automated layering streamlines CAM programming, reducing human error. It reduces waste, boosts output and cuts labour expenses.

What are the different types of waterjet cutters?

Waterjet machines come in many varieties and are classified by material size. Some waterjet cutters have specialised abrasives and nozzles for certain materials.

Water-only cutting

As the name suggests, water-only cutting uses high-pressure without abrasives. While these waterjet cutters can lack the power to cut through certain metals, they are a solid option for materials like foam, rubber, plastics, wood, softer composites and several other materials.

Abrasive waterjets

Abrasive waterjets are best suited to cutting through harder materials. They use pressurised water mixed combined with abrasive media to provide the extra power required for harder metals. The use of different abrasive types and sizes helps produce specific surface finishes.

High pressure cutting

High-pressure waterjet cutting combines abrasive media with water pressures exceeding 50,000 psi. While not every material needs this pressure – this is an ideal choice when processing exotic materials including carbon fibre, ballistic materials and Nickel-based alloys such as Inconel.

What materials can be cut with waterjet cutting software?

Learn what materials are typically used with waterjet cutters.

Organics

A wide range of organic materials including different types of wood, stone and ceramics.

Metals

A diverse range of metals including different grades of steel, Inconel, Titanium and Aluminium.

Composites

More advanced composites including ballistic materials, plastics and carbon fibre.

What can you make with waterjet cutting software?

Waterjet cutting is used to cut hard and soft materials precisely. Waterjet cutting doesn’t heat the workpiece like other methods. This improves quality, consistency and compliance. These industries and projects employ waterjet cutting software technology.

Automotive

Aerospace

Medical

Sheet metal fabrication

Autodesk waterjet cutting software

Cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software for product design

Product details

Unlock additional capabilities for 3 to 5-axis CNC machining, sheet-based nesting and fabrication, and metals-based additive manufacturing.

Product details

Unlock endless possibilities with Autodesk Fusion for waterjet cutting

Get ready to revolutionise your manufacturing processes, unleash your creativity and bring your designs to life.

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Waterjet cutting software resources

Learn more about waterjet cutting software with the following resources from Autodesk.

Fusion: A solution for waterjet, laser cutter and plasma table projects (US Site)

Explore how Autodesk Fusion offers various solutions for 2D cutting, including for waterjet, laser cutter or plasma table projects.

Waterjet, laser or plasma tool (WLP) tool reference

Get a detailed description of parameters in the waterjet tool reference for Fusion.

Export a 3D model to .dxf for waterjet cutting from Fusion

Learn the steps needed to export a 3D model to .dxf format in Fusion, to then use the sketch for CNC routing, plasma cutting laser cutting, or waterjet cutting.

Autodesk Fusion for waterjet cutting (US Site)

Learn how to streamline and simplify the CNC programming process with Fusion. Design 3D models, generate toolpaths, simulate operations to avoid errors and automatically produce G-code, enhancing efficiency, precision and flexibility in manufacturing operations.

Precision CNC machining (US Site)

Discover how precision machining operates and produces complex parts with the tightest tolerances required by the most demanding industries.

CNC programming software with G-code

Learn the steps needed to export a 3D model to .dxf format in Autodesk Fusion, to then use the sketch for CNC routing, plasma cutting, laser cutting or waterjet cutting.

Waterjet cutting software frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Understand more about waterjet cutting with frequently asked user questions.

Can I use waterjet cutting software on a Mac?

Yes, waterjet cutting software like Autodesk Fusion can be run on both PC and Apple Mac hardware.

What kind of materials can waterjet cut through?

A waterjet can cut any type of metal, like aluminium, brass, copper, Titanium and stainless steel. The most powerful waterjet machines can even cut through diamonds.

What kind of equipment do I need to run waterjet cutting software?

Waterjet cutting machinery is supplied as a complete working solution and contains all of the hardware and consumable elements required. In addition, it is preferable to invest in CAM software that can generate NC machining code to tell the CNC machine what to do.

What is the thickness a waterjet can cut through?

The answer depends on the material being processed. High-pressure waterjet machines can easily cut through hard materials up to 300mm thick. It is worth noting that cutting speed will generally need to reduce as material thickness increases to achieve acceptable levels of quality.

What other types of CNC machines are supported by Autodesk?

Autodesk provides a range of manufacturing software with the ability to generate high-quality NC code that can be used to drive CNC mills and routers. This includes 2-axis, 3-axis and 5-axis machines, CNC lathes (including multi-tasking machines), mill-turn machines, as well as laser and plasma cutting machines.

How can I find waterjet cutting near me?

We are present everywhere you want us to be. Getting started with us is way simpler than you can imagine! Contact us (US Site) today to learn more about how our waterjet cutting software can enhance productivity and reduce setup time for your business. Our team will provide you with detailed information, answer any additional questions you may have and guide you through the process of implementing our software for your business.

What are the advantages of waterjet cutting over other cutting methods?

waterjet cutting is a preferred solution in multiple industries due to its numerous benefits (US Site) including its ability to cut materials without generating heat while preventing thermal distortion and hardening, ensuring material integrity. It cuts a diverse range of materials, including metals, composites, stones and plastics, with a high level of precision. waterjet cutting produces smooth edges around cuts, in many cases minimising the need for additional finishing steps.

How does waterjet cutting software improve efficiency?

waterjet cutting software enhances efficiency by automating the creation of precise toolpaths, which optimises the cutting process and minimises material waste. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with CAD/CAM systems, allowing for swift adjustments and accurate execution of complex designs, reducing overall production time.

How does waterjet cutting work?

waterjet cutting is a process that employs a high-pressure stream of water, or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance, to cut through various materials. The water is pressurised to around 60,000 PSI and, if needed, combined with an abrasive like garnet. This mixture is then directed through a small nozzle, where it exits at high speeds, capable of eroding material at the atomic level. The path of the jet is controlled by a computer, allowing for precise, detailed cuts. Notably, waterjet cutting does not generate heat, preventing thermal distortion or hardening of the material, making it an environmentally-friendly and versatile cutting method.

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