With 20 years of experience in the waterjet industry, Waterjet Production Academy’s team offers professional and technical expertise through individual consulting, customized training opportunities and innovative products. With their services you can optimize production processes, increase the sustainability of your production and reduce medium and long-term costs.
Interview with Stanislaw Jakubiec, Founder of Waterjet Production Academy.
Easy Engineering: What are the advantages of using waterjet compared to other sheet metal working solutions?
Stanislaw Jakubiec: Waterjet cutting offers several advantages compared to plasma and laser cutting.
Here are some of the most significant advantages:
Versatility: waterjet cutting can cut a wide range of materials, including metal, stone, glass, ceramics, plastics, and more. In contrast, plasma and laser cutting are limited to specific materials.
Precision: waterjet cutting offers very high precision and is able to cut complex shapes and contours.
No heat-affected zones: as waterjet cutting does not use thermal energy, the material is not affected by heat. This makes it the only viable cutting option when precision is crucial.
No toxicity: with waterjet cutting there are no fumes or gases released, which means there are no toxic emissions. In contrast, plasma and laser cutting can release harmful substances into the air.
No finishing required: as waterjet cutting achieves very high edge precision, there is usually no need for secondary finishing. In contrast, plasma and laser cutting may require finishing operations such as grinding or deburring.
Because it’s a cold process, the variety of materials that waterjets can cut is endless.
With plasma and laser cutting, quality is compromised as the structure of the material is altered.
A waterjet cutter is an optimal choice for any manufacturer who wants to make precise cuts while preserving the integrity of the material.
In addition, the ability to cut highly thick and hard materials without causing warping or hardening sets waterjet cutting apart from plasma and laser technologies. In waterjet cutting, the material is cut by a high-pressure stream of water and sand, which smoothly erodes any material.
Ultimately, waterjets easily cut small and intricate details that are difficult or impossible to achieve with other cutting methods. In fact, the kerf in waterjet cutting is smaller than other cutting alternatives.
E.E: In which direction is technological innovation in waterjet cutting going? Is this an area that lends itself to further development or do you think it already expresses its maximum potential today?
S.J: The biggest innovation in waterjet technology is the electric servo pump and its 6000-bar pressure which offer several advantages over traditional technologies. The hyper-pressure allows materials to be cut faster and more efficiently, resulting in improved productivity and cost savings.
The potential of this technology is far from exhausted, as there is room for development and adaptation to further improve performance and efficiency.
The servo pump from Techni Waterjet is an electric high-pressure pump specially developed for use in waterjet cutting systems. Compared to hydraulic high-pressure pumps, it offers a number of advantages:
Energy efficiency: the electric servo pump is much more energy efficient than hydraulic pumps. It consumes up to 60% less energy, which can lead to significant savings in operating costs.
Lower maintenance costs: as the electric servo pump does not require hydraulic fluid, the associated maintenance costs are eliminated. Hydraulic pumps require regular maintenance to ensure the fluid is clean and free of contaminants.
Higher precision: electric servo pumps offer higher precision compared to hydraulic pumps due to their water pressure control resulting in smoother edges and less garnet being required.
Quiet operation: electric servo pumps operate more quietly than hydraulic pumps, which contributes to a safer work environment.
Overall, the Techni Waterjet electric servo pump stands out as the sole technology purposefully designed for the waterjet industry, making it the undeniable frontrunner over alternative options.
Stanislaw Jakubiec, Founder of Waterjet Production Academy.
E.E: Are there any application sectors where waterjet cutting has not yet expressed its value and found adequate interest?
S.J: Although thanks to its versatility waterjet cutting has found widespread application in various industries, there are some sectors where its value and interest may not have been fully realized yet.
Energy sector: particularly in the cutting and maintenance of renewable energy components like wind turbine blades. The ability of waterjets to cut large and thick composite materials with high precision can be advantageous in this field.
Medical sector: for the cutting of medical devices, implants, and surgical instruments. Further research and development can explore specialized applications in areas such as orthopedics, cardiology, and implant manufacturing.
Electronics industry: this industry requires precise cutting of various materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. Waterjet cutting, with its ability to provide clean and accurate cuts without heat-affected zones, has the potential to be utilized more extensively in electronic component manufacturing and circuit board fabrication.
Waterjet cutting may not have fully penetrated these industries, although its applications and benefits are constantly evolving.
As technology advances and awareness grows, I’m convinced that waterjet cutting will attract more interest. Its benefits are real.
A waterjet academy in the heart of Europe with a dedicated laboratory.
Waterjet Production Academy is a hub of learning and discovery in the field of waterjet cutting. Equipped with a cutting-edge laboratory, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge, conducting research, and fostering innovation in precision cutting.
Whether on-site or on-line, our comprehensive programs provide in-depth instruction on the principles of waterjet technology, covering topics such as machine operation, programming techniques, and material selection. Through hands-on training in our fully equipped facility, participants gain practical experience in executing precise cuts, understanding the intricacies of different materials, and ensuring quality control.
The laboratory at our academy serves as a playground for experimentation and exploration. It provides a platform for testing and prototyping, enabling us to conduct research for innovations to push the boundaries of the industry. Our TECHNI Waterjet® machine, combined with a diverse range of materials and tooling options, facilitate the realization of creative concepts and the evaluation of their feasibility.
One of the unique aspects of WPA is our expertise in calculating the cost of cutting for specific applications. Through testing, we can precisely estimate the expenses associated with different cutting projects. Factors such as material type, thickness, complexity, and machine parameters are taken into account, helping individuals and businesses plan and budget effectively.
In addition to cost estimation, we also offer insights into power consumption analysis. Understanding the energy requirements of waterjet cutting is essential for optimizing efficiency and sustainability, reducing environmental impact.
WPA invites individuals of all skill levels, from novices seeking fundamental knowledge to experienced professionals aiming to expand their expertise. Our educational programs cater to diverse needs, offering a wealth of resources and guidance to empower learners in their journey and unlock the potential of their business.
WPA is TECHNI Waterjet® sales unit in the EMEA region.