We can see in the following graph that larger orifice/abrasive nozzle combinations will cut faster than smaller combinations. With the larger nozzle combination, virtually all of the pump’s power is used, so it will cut faster. The smaller orifice/nozzle cuts slower because less total power from the pump is used.

<img class="size-medium wp-image-6977 aligncenter" src="http://www.wardjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/nozzle-and-orifice-abrasive-amount-chart-2-300x172.jpg" alt="nozzle and orifice - abrasive-amount-chart-2" width="630" />

&nbsp;

Smaller orifice/nozzle combinations are more efficient though in their use of water and abrasive. The available power of the waterjet is concentrated into a smaller area, so more power is directed to the cut.

<img class="size-full wp-image-2962 aligncenter" src="http://www.wardjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Waterjet-University_Nozzle-n-Orifice-Nozzle-Combination-Chart-2.jpg" alt="Waterjet University_Nozzle n Orifice Nozzle Combination Chart 2" width="630" height="418" />

&nbsp;

In the picture above, the diameter of the larger waterjet stream on the right is 33% wider and the area of this diameter is 78% greater. This makes the energy density lower than the smaller orifice/nozzle combination. The result is that, as shown earlier and repeated in the graph below, cutting with two 0.010”/0.030” heads is more cost-effective and productive than cutting with one 0.014”/0.040” head in thinner materials (approximately ½” and thinner).

<img class="size-full wp-image-2963 aligncenter" src="http://www.wardjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/abrasive-amount-chart-4.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="351" />