Of course you can, and sometimes you want to such as when installing the Omax LSRS or a recirculation system. But what about accidentally waterjet cutting holes in the bottom of your waterjet tank? Spoiler: Yes, it’s possible—and we learned that the hard way.
Recently, we faced a tight deadline for a customer who needed holes roughed out in 12″ OD x 12″ long Inconel—a notoriously tough material. With no other viable method and days to save, we turned to our waterjet. We knew the risks: washout, pinholes veering off course, or the cut failing entirely. But we had to make it work, so we dove in, waterjet blazing, to tackle 12 inches of Inconel.
The Setup and First Cut
To cut something this thick, we fabricated custom drop slats for the waterjet tank to support the 12″ material. This meant the exit stream had less water to slow it down after exiting the Inconel, but we calculated that a few inches beyond our thickest cut to date wouldn’t be a deal breaker. We also planned to shift the slats around the waterjet tank between parts to avoid repeatedly cutting in the same spot.
For the first part, we held our breath. After 14 hours, we had a clean 7″ hole—success! If you’re just curious about waterjet cutting thick Inconel, you can stop here. It’s doable, and we proved it.
Smooth Sailing… Until It Wasn’t
The second part went just as smoothly. But the third? That’s where things got interesting. We ran the machine into the evening and shut it down for the night. The next morning, our waterjet machinist arrived to find a pile of abrasive in front of the tank. Strange, but not alarming—until water started trickling out, followed by a slurry of abrasive and water. The source? The bottom of the tank. Yup, we’d cut straight through it (and the 1″ steel plate already in place).
The second part went just as smoothly. But the third? That’s where things got interesting. We ran the machine into the evening and shut it down for the night. The next morning, our waterjet machinist arrived to find a pile of abrasive in front of the tank. Strange, but not alarming—until water started trickling out, followed by a slurry of abrasive and water. The source? The bottom of the tank. Yup, we’d cut straight through it (and the 1″ steel plate already in place).
The Fix
Luckily, we’re a fabrication shop with skilled welders on hand. We patched the tank with a new piece of 1″ steel after we drained and cleaned the mess, and were back up and running in three days. Fortunately, we only needed two parts, and the third was a spare, so the job was still a success.
Luckily, we’re a fabrication shop with skilled welders on hand. We patched the tank with a new piece of 1″ steel after we drained and cleaned the mess, and were back up and running in three days. Fortunately, we only needed two parts, and the third was a spare, so the job was still a success.
The Takeaway
Yes, you can waterjet through 12 inches of Inconel—and even through the bottom of your tank if you’re not careful. Our experience shows that with some ingenuity (and a willingness to patch up mistakes), waterjet cutting can handle extreme challenges. Just make sure you’ve got a welder and a spare part ready, just in case.
Yes, you can waterjet through 12 inches of Inconel—and even through the bottom of your tank if you’re not careful. Our experience shows that with some ingenuity (and a willingness to patch up mistakes), waterjet cutting can handle extreme challenges. Just make sure you’ve got a welder and a spare part ready, just in case.