Why is My Waterjet Overspeeding?

Power Surges

• A power surge due to a sudden demand for power increases the voltage flowing from an electrical outlet. This action upsets the steady flow of electricity and can cause tools drawing power from that outlet, including your waterjet, to behave outside normal parameters. A power surge can easily cause your waterjet to overspeed and increase cutting force beyond its current settings. The abrupt increase in electricity can also damage your waterjet's internal components and may stop the device from working altogether. Limiting the number of devices drawing power from a single outlet helps reduce the possibility of a power surge. When using your waterjet, make sure no other high-powered devices are using the same electrical outlet.

Water Pump Issues

• A waterjet uses internal pumps or intensifiers to deliver pressurized water through its nozzle. Malfunctions in pressure settings within internal pumps can cause a waterjet to send water through the system at a higher rate of speed. If pumps aren't operating in unison, water flowing through the system can show inconsistent pressure. The lack of consistent pressure can make it difficult to impossible to achieve smooth cuts with the device. Inspection of the waterjet by a licensed repair professional may be necessary to identify which intensifier within the system is causing the problems.

Programming Errors

• Programming errors in a waterjet's computer-aided design or CAD software can cause overspeeding because the dimensions entered into the system are incorrect. Double-checking the design dimensions before you begin cutting is important to ensure the waterjet doesn't pump too much force into the cutting stream. Too much pressure can ruin a more delicate cutting job where finer corners and angles are necessary. A computer screen showing a CAD design doesn't usually show dimensions, according to the Flow International Corporation, a waterjet manufacturer. Manually examining the project dimensions is mandatory to ensure accuracy.

Using Shorter Lines

• Replacing water lines in your waterjet system with shorter tubes can increase pressure through the system and result in overspeeding. Consult your owner's manual for manufacturer-recommended lengths of tubing to ensure proper water pressure flowing through your waterjet. Using tubing that doesn't meet the manufacturer's standards can throw off presets for pressure settings and cutting sizes. Without accurate pressure information, there's no way of knowing if you have the correct setting until you begin cutting.