WaterJetting Anodized Aluminum

[RedRaider]

If you have a case panel thats anodized aluminum, will the finish get fucked up by having it cut with a waterjet?

[smee]

As far as I know, it should not.
The tiny stream of water goes so fast.

[just a noob]

The part that gets cut, will lose the anodized finish on the edges(since the anodizing doesn't go all the way through the aluminum)

[smee]

The part that gets cut, will lose the anodized finish on the edges(since the anodizing doesn't go all the way through the aluminum)

Are you talking about, the inner edge?

[THP Dan]

The finish will be perfect right upto the edge of the cut.

[bigslappy]

no will not affect the finish

[Kuro]

waterjet cuts http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/Player1_WP/Liquid%20Cooling%20Work%20Log/9.jpghttp://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/Player1_WP/Liquid%20Cooling%20Work%20Log/8.jpg
Ill see if i can find some better images

[Morae]

I've had both laser and waterjet cutting done, but only on stainless steel. The waterjet cuts were much more precise than laser, which was certainly desirable, but did require a lot of cleanup. So, be prepared to do some careful washing when you get the panels (or whatever) back.

[Septim]

waterjet equals less scorched marks right?

[RedRaider]

Thanks for the pics Kuro.

I posted this thread due to the fact I wanted to know, if the surface not being cut, would get damaged from the abrasive materials in the water used to make the cuts.

Did you cover up the piece prior to waterjetting Kuro?

[Kuro]

that isn't my photo its just an example I found.

But from what I've seen from other people is it appears that they havn't covered it but you might be best off talking with someone from where your going to get the cutting done. And you could always flip it over visa versa?

One case I remember from OCAU (i think) a guy got his panel cut with sound deadening foam still attached to the back and it cut though both the aluminum and the foam cleanly.

I'll see if i can find some more info



EDIT:

Okay if the panel has the finished paint/finish it would be wise to cover it up.

Youtube Waterjet case side panel In this example the piece already has its final coat of paint applied
It appears they have used that blue tape you see modders using.

(I personally would have done it the other way [cut first then paint] unless I wanted the edges to be exposed in this case then I would have done the same but with a coat of clear to seal it afterwards.)

But I would still talk with the guy at the shop.

[RedRaider]

Thanks for the info Kuro...:up:

[Floyd]

waterjet equals less scorched marks right?

I worked in a shop once that had laser and water cutting machines and the water seemed to have a cleaner cut. Most of the stuff we cut on the laser went to powdercoat afterwords.