Waterjet Group

sunfish · Newbie

Small Holes

oferiniowa · Member

In my experience the mixing tube size will be limited once you set a garnet size. We typically run a .037 mixing tube with 80hpa. We've tried running a .030, but clog frequently. With a .037 mixing tube, your .040 hole won't be very accurate. The pierce will nearly be the diameter your looking for and you would likely not be a perfect circle.

Jim W

Laro · Member

We never switch orifices or tubes. We use one setup for everything (.35mm orifice). Your cam-software will adapt the cutting path to the selected setup.

Walt45806 · Member

I would suggest etching a spot right in the center then following with a drill to get the holes diameter without any issues

MCP Services · Member

You know in your metering disk case, there is a chart that gives you a break down of mixing tube and orifice combination, as well as a recommendation of abrasive.

MCP Services · Member

What is your present sent up with your orifice and mixing tube, also In your metering disk case there is a chart with the mixing tube and orifice combination, as well as abrasive recommendation, most machines I have setup I normally see a .04 as the mixing tube. So you would simple do a pierce for that size hole, no lead-in.

Industrial Metal Enterprises · Newbie

We operate an Omax 80x with a .030" inch orifice and the mixing tube is the same size. We also use 80HPA garnet. So the minimum size hole we could achieve would be a .030" Ø (with just a pierce). I have cut holes around .040" with no problem. However the thicker the material the harder an accurate small hole can be achieved due to the lead not being able to grow to required size. It may be best in your situation to just etch mark the center of the hole and proceed with drilling afterwards. This part was for an extruder where product was pushed through. Hole size was important. Holes were about .050"Ø through 1/4" 304SS Material.