We have cut a wide variety of parts for our clients from many types of Polyethylene, Polycarbonate (Lexan), Acrylic, ABS, Teflon (PTFE), Fiberglass FR-4, G-10, G-11, Phenolic, Nylon, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Carbon Composites delivering below target costs over conventional cutting methods.
Abrasive waterjet cutting is an excellent choice for cutting Signboard (expanded PVC ). We cut signage features, lettering, and logos for clients, including intricate details not achievable using a flat bed router. The flexibility and level of detail that the waterjet can handle allows for limitless design opportunities.
Technical Considerations for Waterjet Hole Piercing of Plastics
Brittle plastics such as acrylic can fracture during waterjet hole piercing which leaves fracture lines. We recommend using a polycarbonate material if design permits because it can be pierced without effect, or start holes can be drilled prior to the machining process to eliminate the piercing step.
Reinforced plastics can delaminate during small hole piercing which is due to high pressure forces exerted while cutting. To remedy this, start holes must be drilled prior to small hole piercing by the waterjet. Large holes, cut outs and periphery features are not subject to this condition because the pierce is made far enough away from the finished product edge and any delamination is discarded in the cut away material.
Nylon Gears
Nylon 6 Gears
Description
These large plastic gears are 43 and 12 inches in diameter with a thickness of 1″. They were cut for a packaging equipment manufacturer for a bottling machine.
Material
1′ Nylon 6
Acrylic Lettering
Acrylic Letters
Description
Waterjet does a very clean job of cutting acrylic lettering.
Material
.375″ Acrylic
PVC Vent Grate
In Wall Vent Grates
Description
We cut these details for flush wall mounted vent grates for the remodel of an historical 1920’s Spanish Colonial home. They were cut out of expanded PVC, bulit into the wall, textured, and painted to become part of the wall.
Material
.250″ Expanded PVC
Polycarbonate Detail Part
Polycarbonate Detail Part
Description
This part is used as a machine cover.
Material
.125″ Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate Panel
Separator Panel
Description
This is an access panel for a mechanical assembly.
Material
.375″ Polycarbonate
HDPE Hatch Cover
Wake Boat Hatch Covers
Description
We cut these hatch covers for an exciting new electric wakeboat manufacturer.
Material
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Marine Grade Plastic
This material is also known as Star Board or Marine Board.
ABS Latch
Hatch Cover Latch
Description
This latch mechanism was cut for wakeboat hatch covers.
Material
1/2″ ABS Plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
LDPE Sintra
Fire Engine Motif
Description
This was cut from Sintra (also called expanded PVC or signboard) for preschool decor.
Material
.125″ Sintra (Foamboard)
Polycarbonate Nameplate
Desk Name Plate
Description
These were cut as thank you gifts for networking event participants.
Material
.250″ Polycarbonate
UHMVV Clamp
Isolator Clamp Sleeve
Description
This was cut for a piping application.
Material
2″ UHMW Polyethylene
Expanded PVC Grill
Decorative Skylight Grill
Description
Multiple versions of this skylight diffuser grill were cut for a custom home project.
Material
1/2″ Expanded PVC