The impinging jet method of depth control gives the waterjet cutting technique a new level of control. Prior to this technology, etching and scribing was accomplished by reducing pressure, reducing abrasion flow rate, or increasing the feed rate of the material, all of which are methods of reducing the cutting power of the waterjet and are inexact for cut-depth management. By using impinging jets, the cutting power is only diminished after the impingement occurs, which is a much more precise method of depth control and keeps cutting rates high. This method also provides an increased level of safety to the waterjet process which will allow it to expand into other applications.
General Information
When two impinging jets collide, they form a small sheet which breaks up into small droplets due to waves that form within the sheet. Droplet formation from impinging jets is well understood and can be accurately modeled. The drops that are formed have much less kinetic energy and have lost much of the ability to cut, allowing for control of cut depth as well as a measure of safety after the impingement. A variety of angles between the jets can be used, depending on the application.
The Market
Impinging jets can not only be used in applications traditional to waterjet cutting, but due to its depth control and added safety, can be used to new and novel applications for waterjets as well. Research has been conducted in the dental field using a waterjet as a method of drilling teeth with impinging jets to limit the cutting distance from the tool. Etching and scriping with a waterjet will also benefit from this technology.
Patent Information
Patents Pending: U.S. Patent Filed
The Inventors
Dr. Robert Todd, Mechanical Engineering Dept., Brigham Young University
Dr. Spencer Magleby, Mechanical Engineering Dept., Brigham Young University
Joseph Memmot, Former Graduate Student, Brigham Young University
Licensing Information
The Waterjet Dental Drill has been licensed to Waterjet International.
To discuss this technology please contact:
Leon "Priz" Przybyla801-422-6266priz@byu.edu