What is Waterjet cutting?

Waterjet cutting is accomplished by the introduction of "garnet" (80 / 120 mesh) into an ultra high pressure stream of water.   This stream of water is formed by forcing it through a jewel orifice ~0.010" - 0.015" in diameter at a pressure of ~50 K psi.

The speed of this stream of water approaches MACH 3 (over 2000 MPH).   The garnet is introduced in a "mixing" chamber before passing through a .020" - .045" diameter boride nozzle onto the surface of the material being cut.   Many non-metallic materials can be cut without the addition of garnet and with a kerf of less than .005".