Associated Fastening Products, Inc.

Waterjet Cutting Services

Associated Fastening Products, Inc. is a trusted source for waterjet cutting services. Using our cutting-edge 2-,3-, and 5-axis waterjet cutting equipment we produce high-quality customized fastening components. Our decades of industry experience and machining capabilities have earned us a positive reputation in the OEM market for delivering superior service, reliability, and a wide variety of high-quality components. Each client that does business with us receives individualized and personal attention on their unique projects.

What Is Waterjet Cutting? 

Waterjet cutting is a subtractive manufacturing method that uses pressurized pumps to power high-pressure waterjets that precisely remove material from the workpiece to create the intended shape. For increased cutting power, abrasives, such as garnet, are often added to the water. Abrasive waterjet cutting is typically reserved for cutting hard metals, while pure waterjet cutting is intended for softer materials such as plastics, rubber, or wood.

There are several different ways that waterjet cutting may be carried out to achieve the desired results for a specific project, including: 

• Abrasive Flow Machining: This method is used to hone and deburr interior sections of workpieces that traditional deburring machines cannot access. The process uses abrasives to erode unwanted, extruded particles on the interior surface of the material, creating a smooth finish.
• Abrasive Jet Machining: This method uses high-pressure water and abrasives to remove material, burrs, and particles from the workpiece.
• High-Pressure Water Cutting: Hydraulic pumps harness the pressure created by the water and convert it into mechanical energy, further intensifying the pressure of the water flow and allowing it to form soft materials without creating water residue. 
• CNC Water Jet Cutting: This method performs the same techniques as high-pressue water cutting while working on multiple axes to complete the processes simultaneously. Common cycles that CNC waterjet cutting can execute include forming, deburring, cutting, honing, and more.