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The energy required for cutting materials is obtained by pressurizing water to ultra-high pressures and forming an intense cutting stream by focusing this high-speed water through a small, precious-stone orifice. Waterjet technology is both simple and extremely complex. When water is pressurized up to 60,000 pounds (or more) per square inch (psi) and forced through a tiny opening, it can cut a variety of soft materials including paper and plastic. When small amounts of abrasive particles, such as garnet, are mixed into the jet stream, the resulting "abrasive waterjet" can cut virtually any hard material such as metal and composites.
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