Cost comparison:
Complete water jet nozzle assemblies cost around $500.00 - $1000.00 (US), while abrasive jet nozzles cost from $800 - $2000. The abrasive nozzle also requires support hardware for abrasive feed which can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 (These numbers are not precise - for exact pricing, contact a waterjet supplier or waterjet equipment manufacturer.) Cost of operation is much higher for the Abrasive jet because of mixing tube wear, and abrasive consumption.
Limitations to water only nozzles:
Typically, the only problems that arise with a water only nozzle will be with the jewel (the orifice with the tiny hole that the water squirts through).
Jewels can crack, plug, or form deposits on them. Cracking and plugging happens as a result of dirty inlet water, and is typically avoided with proper filtration. Deposits accumulate gradually as a result of minerals in the water. Depending on your water supply, slightly fancier filtering may be necessary. Jewels are easily replaced in about 2 - 10 min., and are typically cheap ($5-$50). There are also diamond orifices for sale for $200.00 and up, which can last longer in many applications. Which is better, will depend on your exact needs.
Limitations of Abrasive Jet nozzles:
Despite their simple design, abrasive jet nozzles can be troublesome at times. There are many designs, but they share the same problems:
Short life of an expensive wear part: The mixing tube. Like I said, the abrasive jet can cut through just about anything - including itself. This will be a large part of your operating cost. (more on operating cost later)
Occasional plugging of mixing tube: Usually caused by dirt or large particles in abrasive. (This used to be a big problem with abrasivejet nozzles, but not so much any more.)
Wear, misalignment, and damage to the jewel.
Complete water jet nozzle assemblies cost around $500.00 - $1000.00 (US), while abrasive jet nozzles cost from $800 - $2000. The abrasive nozzle also requires support hardware for abrasive feed which can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 (These numbers are not precise - for exact pricing, contact a waterjet supplier or waterjet equipment manufacturer.) Cost of operation is much higher for the Abrasive jet because of mixing tube wear, and abrasive consumption.
Limitations to water only nozzles:
Typically, the only problems that arise with a water only nozzle will be with the jewel (the orifice with the tiny hole that the water squirts through).
Jewels can crack, plug, or form deposits on them. Cracking and plugging happens as a result of dirty inlet water, and is typically avoided with proper filtration. Deposits accumulate gradually as a result of minerals in the water. Depending on your water supply, slightly fancier filtering may be necessary. Jewels are easily replaced in about 2 - 10 min., and are typically cheap ($5-$50). There are also diamond orifices for sale for $200.00 and up, which can last longer in many applications. Which is better, will depend on your exact needs.
Limitations of Abrasive Jet nozzles:
Despite their simple design, abrasive jet nozzles can be troublesome at times. There are many designs, but they share the same problems:
Short life of an expensive wear part: The mixing tube. Like I said, the abrasive jet can cut through just about anything - including itself. This will be a large part of your operating cost. (more on operating cost later)
Occasional plugging of mixing tube: Usually caused by dirt or large particles in abrasive. (This used to be a big problem with abrasivejet nozzles, but not so much any more.)
Wear, misalignment, and damage to the jewel.
1 comment:
Diamond Technologies, Inc. make great waterjet orifices from natural and synthetic diamond, ruby, and sapphire.
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