Views: 204 Author: SEPPE Garnet Team Publish Time: 2026-07-28 Origin: SGA Waterjet
Cutting faster is useful only when the jet still produces an acceptable edge. In abrasive waterjet cutting, the commonly used Q1–Q5 levels describe this practical trade-off between speed and edge finish.
Water pressure supplies the energy. Traverse speed determines how long the jet acts on each section of material. If the cutting head moves too quickly, the upper edge may remain acceptable while more visible jet-lag striation develops near the bottom.
| Factor | Effect on the Cut |
|---|---|
| Water pressure | Changes the energy available for cutting. |
| Traverse speed | Changes the time the jet acts on the material. |
| Material and thickness | Determine the energy needed for a complete cut. |
| Abrasive delivery | Affects cutting action and process stability. |
| Cutting-head condition | Influences jet alignment and energy transfer. |
The Q1–Q5 settings commonly used in abrasive waterjet cutting describe this balance. Q1 generally represents a fast separation cut with more visible lower-edge striation. Moving toward Q5 normally means a slower traverse speed and a smoother, more uniform edge.
These levels are practical industry conventions rather than universal ISO or ASTM grades. The actual speed associated with each setting changes with the material, thickness and machine configuration.
Illustrative comparison of increasing lower-edge striation at higher traverse speeds. These are not calibrated Q-grade samples.
Too little garnet limits cutting power. Adding more can improve the cut, but only within a useful operating range. Beyond that range, consumption may rise without producing the same improvement in speed or edge quality.
The correct flow depends on the water stream, orifice, mixing tube and selected garnet grade. These parts work as one system.
Garnet must enter the cutting head steadily. Excessive fines, oversized grains or moisture can interrupt the flow and make cutting performance less predictable.
Hardness and particle shape also influence cutting action, but harder is not automatically better. The abrasive must suit the cutting-head configuration and feed reliably throughout the job.
Begin with the machine’s approved abrasive range and a familiar cutting program. Change one setting at a time, then check cut-through, the lower edge and actual abrasive use.
A controlled trial is more useful than a generic speed chart. It shows whether the selected settings deliver the target Q level and where further adjustment is needed.
