Cut gaskets on the waterjet

[Karl_T]

The question on cutting foam prompted this query.

I'd like to make say ten gaskets at a time. Should I "make a sandwich"? That is a layer of cheap steel or AL, layers of gasket material, then another layer of cheap metal. Then cut conventionally with abrasive. Or is there a better way?

 

[welderjosh]

You'll have to play around with it as far as how many layers you can get before cut quality and tolerance gets out of where you'd like. We successfully cut 4-5 layers at a time regularly.

 

[Karl_T]

do you use a sacrificial top and bottom out of metal?

 

[Philabuster]

do you use a sacrificial top and bottom out of metal?

Yes, we do. I have also heard of using plywood as the bread, but that makes a bit more mess.

 

[Garwood]

Wouldn't laser be a way better method for cutting gaskets?

 

[Karl_T]

I am sure a laser would be nice. just like to use what I got.

The other, similar, thread suggested OSB backers and straight water to cut foam. I'll try that for gaskets.

 

[Machinist_max]

I stick it between plastic corrugated cardboard material. wrap it in stretch wrap. put a weight on top. I cut alot of gaskets that way. .007 diameter ruby, water only, no cutting nozzle.

 

[Ghost]

Don't use metal for your backers, you can get bounce back tearing up the material. I did gaskets the same way i did foam, with some weights to keep it from flopping around. I might use abrasive depending on how tough the gasket is. Ten at a time could be more trouble than its worth, can be tough to keep that many in place.