When it comes to maximising the performance and longevity of your OMAX abrasive waterjet, few factors are more important than clean water and correct water temperature. Proper waterjet maintenance starts with understanding how these environmental elements directly influence your machine’s health, efficiency, and output.
Why Water Quality Matters for Waterjet Cutting Systems
Regardless of whether you use a municipal water supply or a private well, water quality can vary greatly from one location to another. Even though water chemistry does not directly affect the cutting ability of an abrasive waterjet, high levels of minerals such as calcium, iron, and total dissolved solids (TDS) can cause serious internal wear.
Over time, untreated water can corrode essential components like pumps, seals, and high-pressure plumbing. This deterioration leads to more frequent maintenance, higher repair costs, and unplanned downtime — all of which impact waterjet cutting performance and profitability.
Before installing your abrasive waterjet machine, it is vital to perform thorough water testing. Regular monitoring throughout the machine’s lifecycle also helps protect the system and ensures optimal cutting results.
How to Improve Water Quality for Waterjet Systems
Preventive maintenance for waterjets often begins with installing water treatment solutions. In most cases, filtration systems and water softeners are effective at removing problematic contaminants. If your water’s TDS level is greater than 250 parts per million, a reverse osmosis (RO) system is recommended. RO systems remove up to 90 percent of impurities, providing clean inlet water that protects your machine and improves cutting consistency.
Investing in water treatment is an easy decision. Clean water means fewer maintenance costs, longer machine life, and more consistent waterjet cutting performance.
Managing Waterjet Drain Water Responsibly
Water management does not end with the supply line. Monitoring the quality of the overflow or drain water from the cutting process is just as important. Understanding your local environmental regulations regarding waste disposal helps you stay compliant and avoid costly fines.
To support sustainable operation, laminar flow filters can be installed to remove garnet and material debris from drain water. These solids can then be collected and disposed of safely. If your waterjet cutting involves toxic materials, a complete water recycling system may be necessary to ensure contaminants are captured and the water is treated properly for reuse.
Why Temperature Control Is Essential for Waterjet Maintenance
In addition to water quality, maintaining consistent water temperature is critical to extending the life of your abrasive waterjet machine. OMAX recommends keeping inlet water temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) for ideal performance.
If your facility pulls water through pipes exposed to sunlight or heated environments, temperatures can easily exceed recommended limits. High inlet water temperatures can cause significant damage to waterjet seals, high-pressure tubing, and other critical components. This results in increased maintenance needs and reduced operational efficiency.
A dedicated chiller system can help maintain optimal water temperatures, protecting your investment and enhancing abrasive waterjet reliability.
Clean Water and Controlled Temperature: The Key to Waterjet Success
In the world of abrasive waterjet cutting, water is more than just a medium. It is the lifeblood of your machine’s performance, productivity, and longevity. Clean, properly managed water and controlled temperatures prevent damage, reduce maintenance, and ensure consistent results, whether you are cutting metals, composites, glass, or other materials.
By prioritising waterjet water quality and temperature management, you will protect your machine, minimise operating costs, and maximise cutting efficiency over the long term.