There are many ways to produce cut gaskets and parts for customer applications. Traditionally, fabricators have employed die cutting technology where the parts are cut on presses using steel rule dies. More recently, new cutting technologies have become more prevalent, including waterjet and laser cutting. This blog looks at the advantages of waterjet cut rubber parts and gaskets over those cut on laser equipment.
Waterjet versus Laser Cutting
When CRGI first investigated employing new cutting technologies, waterjet and laser cutting were two options that were considered. We evaluated each of these technologies across part quality, material capability, process efficiency criteria such as setup and productivity, and equipment reliability and performance. Ultimately we chose waterjet cutting technology because it offered demonstrably superior part quality across a wider range of material types and thicknesses than that offered by laser cutting.
In our evaluation of waterjet versus laser cutting, CRGI found a marked difference in the quality of parts produced from each process. In particular, waterjet cut rubber parts and gaskets exhibit superior edge quality to those produced by laser cutting. In addition, waterjet cutting avoids the charring of material that can occur with laser cutting. From a health and safety perspective, waterjet cutting avoids the issues of fumes and smoke that are often seen when cutting rubber and sponge on laser technology.
CRGI first acquired waterjet cutting technology in 2012. Since then we have grown our business of producing waterjet cut rubber parts and gaskets considerably. Using our waterjet cutting technology, we can rapidly produce precision-cut parts and gaskets from a variety of material types and thicknesses, including the cutting of material 5 inches thick with up to 60,000 psi of cutting pressure.
Waterjet Cut Parts and Gaskets from CRGI
With waterjet cutting, CRGI produces an array of custom cut parts and gaskets. These products can be fashioned from sheet rubber or foam/sponge and other materials, including UHMW. Parts that we have produced include the following:
Gaskets and seals
Wear parts for aggregates equipment
Anti-vibration pads and dampers
Custom cut parts for industrial and agricultural equipment
Snowplow blade deflectors
Packaging inserts
Our waterjet cutting process is extremely versatile and is capable of executing both light and heavy-duty cutting work. When cutting heavy gauge material, or steel-reinforced rubber, we can assist the cutting process by introducing garnet abrasive into the waterjet stream if required.
If you have an application that requires a custom cut part, please inquire about our waterjet cutting services. Our sales representatives will be pleased to speak to you about how CRGI can meet your needs with waterjet cut rubber parts and gaskets. Please contact our sales department directly at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.