Waterjet Cutting - 2" Thick Sponge Rubber, ±.010" Tolerances, Clean Cut Edges Without Concavity

Waterjet cutting provides a cleaner cut edge on thick rubber materials without the edge concavity that is characteristic of die cutting. Non-abrasive waterjet cutting machines can cut 2" thick sponge rubber and solid rubber in excess of 1" thick to tolerances within A .010". In many cases when steel rule die cutting or molding is planned for production, waterjet cut prototypes may be utilized for proof of design before tooling up.

When and why to utilize WaterJet Cutting:

When parts are in the prototyping phase and designs are being proven. Waterjet cutting allows for design modifications without incurring multiple tool purchases.
When the material being used is expensive. Waterjet cutting offers tighter yields that can offset this more time intensive process.
When the part has adhesive on 2 sides. The edge quality of a waterjet part well exceeds that of a die cut part with adhesive on 2 sides.
When the part demands tight tolerances. Waterjet cutting in most cases, can hold tighter tolerances than die cutting.
When the part is complex. Waterjet systems are capable of cutting abnormal curves or odd geometry where tooling up a steel rule cutting die may be difficult.
When large gaskets are needed. Waterjet cutting large gaskets without having to commit to expensive tooling can be very beneficial.
When materials are thick, such as A " thick - die cutting may result in edge concavity. Waterjet cutting results in a clean edge without edge concavity.