What Type of Pump Does a Waterjet Use?

What Type of Pump Does a Waterjet Use? Intensifier vs. Direct Drive

Every WaterJet Cutting Machine relies on one core component to deliver its power—the pump. It is this pump that boosts ordinary water pressure to 60,000 PSI or even higher, enabling the waterjet to easily cut steel plates, glass, marble, and various composite materials.

However, waterjet cutting machines don't only use one type of pump. The two most common configurations in practical applications are: Intensifier Pumps and Direct Drive Pumps.

Each has its own characteristics and plays different roles in different industries and production environments. Below, we'll discuss their differences from a practical production perspective and which customers they are suitable for.

1. Intensifier Pump — Stable and Durable, the First Choice for Long-Term Operations

If you personify a waterJet Pump, An Intensifier pump is more like a reliable and durable "heavy-duty worker."
It uses a hydraulic system to drive a piston, continuously amplifying water pressure, much like a highly efficient hydraulic supercharger.
How it Works: Hydraulic oil pushes a large piston, which in turn pushes a smaller piston, forcing water through a check valve to extremely high pressure.
Extremely stable, with almost no pressure fluctuations, even reaching 90,000 PSI.
Key Advantages:

1. Stable pressure, suitable for long-term continuous operation
2. Long life of key components, capable of withstanding high-intensity tasks
3. Suitable for thick plates, stainless steel, and abrasive cutting methods
4. Perfectly compatible with Abrasive Waterjet and 5-Axis Waterjet Cutting Machines

Suitable Customers:
If you are involved in:

1. Large-scale metal processing
2. Aerospace parts
3. High-intensity continuous production

Then an intensifier pump is often the right choice.

2. Direct Drive Pump — A Simple, Fast-Responding Compact Production Assistant

Compared to intensifiers, direct drive pumps are more like a clean and efficient "agile worker."
The motor directly drives the plunger, eliminating the need for a hydraulic system, resulting in a simpler structure.
How it Works
Each revolution of the motor drives the plunger in a reciprocating motion, generating high-pressure water. The pressure range is typically between 40,000 and 60,000 PSI.
Key Advantages

1. Higher efficiency and lower energy loss
2. Lower cost and simpler maintenance
3. Compact size and low noise, suitable for factories with limited space

Key Limitations
Direct drive pumps do not maintain as stable pressure as intensifiers during long periods of continuous cutting, making them more suitable for:

1. Lightweight machining
2. Intermittent operations
3. Small workshops

3. How to Choose?

Many users, when first encountering waterjet printers, often ask: "Should I choose a booster or a direct-drive pump?"
You can simply use the following logic to decide:

Your needs	Recommended solution
Thick materials, long-term operation, high-precision cutting	Intensifier Pump
Ordinary wood panels, small factory, limited budget	Direct Drive Pump

Neither system is inherently better or worse; the key is matching it to your production needs.

4. Why are more and more people choosing KUNDA Waterjet Pumps?

KUNDA's Waterjet Intensifier Pumps and Direct Drive Waterjet Pumps have undergone extensive pressure testing and durability verification.
Our design goals are simple: stability, ease of maintenance, long lifespan, and continuous value creation for our customers.
We offer our customers:

1. Multiple pressure ratings available
2. Energy optimization solutions
3. Global after-sales support and spare parts supply
4. Fully customizable waterjet systems (pumps, cutting heads, control systems, etc., can be configured as needed)

The type of pump used in a waterjet system determines the stability, efficiency, and lifespan of the entire system.
Booster pumps are better suited for large-scale industrial production; direct drive pumps are better suited for small factories and light-duty tasks.
Whether you need a powerful and stable Intensifier Pump or a simpler Direct Drive Pump, KUNDA can provide you with reliable, professional waterjet solutions tailored to your industry needs.