When global heavy-industry customers deal with extremely thick steel plates, choosing the right cutting method becomes critical. Recently, YH successfully completed a trial cut for a Brazilian client using its 87,000 PSI ultra-high-pressure cantilever water jet cutting machine. The goal was to process a challenging 120mm thick medium-carbon steel sample—a material known for both strength and toughness, commonly used in structural parts that require reliability and precision.
Project Background: Cutting 120mm Medium-Carbon Steel
To begin with, the material provided by the client was 120mm thick medium-carbon steel. This type of steel is widely used in mining equipment, ship components, machinery bases, and other load-bearing applications. Because of its mechanical properties, it poses strict demands on any cutting process. Conventional thermal cutting often causes distortion, hardened areas, or internal stress, making it less suitable for precise post-machining.
For this reason, the client wanted a cold-cutting method capable of clean edges, stable performance, and consistent quality. This is where the cantilever water jet cutting machine became the ideal choice.
Equipment Used: 87,000 PSI Ultra-High-Pressure Waterjet System
Moving on to the technical setup, YH employed its 87,000 PSI (about 600 MPa) ultra-high-pressure cantilever system. Compared with standard 60K machines, the higher pressure significantly increases cutting capability, allowing it to handle extremely thick steel that most conventional processes struggle with.
The cantilever structure provides open-side accessibility, making it easy to load oversized metal plates. It also offers stable motion control, which supports precise cuts even when working under ultra-high-pressure conditions.
Core Technical Advantages of Waterjet Cutting
As the cutting tests progressed, the ultra-high-pressure waterjet showed several important advantages. These benefits demonstrated why a cantilever water jet cutting machine is highly valued in heavy-duty industries.
1) Cold Cutting with No Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)
Since waterjet cutting does not generate heat, the steel’s microstructure remains unchanged. This prevents distortion, hardening, and micro-cracks—issues commonly seen in plasma or flame cutting. For components that will undergo further machining or carry heavy loads, maintaining material integrity is essential.
2) High Precision, Even at Extreme Thickness
Despite the 120mm thickness, the machine produced clean edges and smooth surfaces. Complex contours can be formed in a single pass, reducing the need for secondary processing. This saves both time and manufacturing cost, especially for industries requiring high-precision profiles.
3) Environmentally Friendly and Safe
Because waterjet cutting emits no toxic fumes and generates minimal dust, it offers a cleaner and safer working environment. Compared with thermal cutting techniques, it is more sustainable and worker-friendly.
Trial Cutting Results: Stable, Clean, and High-Quality
As the trial continued, the 87,000 PSI system demonstrated strong penetration power and stable cutting performance from start to finish. The cut surface was uniform, with no thermal impact signs. The sample met the client’s requirements for mechanical stability, appearance quality, and cutting accuracy.
This result confirmed that the cantilever water jet cutting machine can reliably process extra-thick metal materials—an area where many other technologies struggle to deliver consistent results.
Application Solutions for Global Heavy Industries
Looking at broader applications, YH provides customized ultra-high-pressure waterjet cutting solutions for clients around the world. Industries that commonly require processing of ultra-thick steel plates include:
- Mining machinery manufacturing
- Shipbuilding and offshore engineering
- Energy equipment (hydropower, wind power, heavy components)
- Heavy-duty truck and industrial vehicle manufacturing
- Structural steel fabrication
For these sectors, waterjet cutting provides a safe, accurate, and deformation-free alternative to thermal processes. The combination of 87,000 PSI technology and a cantilever structure makes the system especially suitable for large and heavy metal sheets.
Conclusion
This successful trial for a Brazilian customer demonstrates the power of YH’s 87,000 PSI cantilever water jet cutting machine in handling ultra-thick and high-strength materials like 120mm medium-carbon steel. With its cold-cutting performance, high precision, and environmental advantages, the system offers a reliable solution for industries that demand both quality and efficiency.
If you are looking for a professional ultra-high-pressure waterjet cutting solution for thick metal cutting, YH is ready to support your project with customized equipment and expert service. Contact YH today to learn more.