CNC Waterjet Manufacturing is a type of cold cutting, using a thin stream of ultra high pressure water. Usually abrasive is added to the stream. Unlike traditional methods of cutting, there is no heat generated by the waterjet. This helps preserve material properties, which is important for many alloys, and hardened metals, as well as heat sensitive materials like plastics, and composites. The low temperature prevents material from warping or distorting.

The waterjet offers both tight tolerance, and a clean finish. In most cases the waterjet edge will need no secondary operation. With tolerances as small as +/-0.005”, this helps speed up fabrication, and is good for tight fits. This precision also allows for intricate designs. The minimum hole size is 0.040”, and the tightest radius 0.015”.

The combination of low temperature precision cutting allows the waterjet to efficiently cut through thick material. Thick material must be cut slower, but there is no possibility of overheating or complex structural damage. Due to the nature of waterjetting, we can often avoid the cost of heavy-duty machining setups.

FAQ

Q: What is WaterJet cutting?

WaterJet cutting utilizes a narrow stream of water at ultra high pressure to cut through almost any material. Usually, an abrasive is added to the stream to facilitate the cutting. The computer controlled cutting nozzle moves in an XY plane, and can make very precise cuts with intricate designs.

Q: What is the maximum size part?

The OMAX WaterJet that we use can cut a sheet up to 55” x 100”. Practically speaking, we can cut material up to about 4″ thick. On thicker material the precision of the cut can deteriorate, but is still possible up to 6 inches thick. We are limited to cutting flat stock material only. We are potentially capable of finding a solution for complex cutting challenges. Please call or email for information.

Q: What tolerance can the waterjet maintain?

The waterjet is a CNC controlled machine. The placement of the cuts are with a couple of thousandths. However, a standard waterjet stream will leave an edge taper. This is typically 0.010” per side, but can change depending on material thickness and edge quality.

Q: What is Edge Quality?

Edge quality is the smoothness of the edge after the cut. This is typically broken into 4 categories: (Q2)FAST, (Q3)GOOD, (Q4)GREAT, and (Q5)BEST. A lower edge quality results in a low cost, less precise cut. A higher edge quality results in a high cost, high precision cut. Different edge qualities can be used on the same part depending on requirements.

When the highest precision is necessary, we can articulate the cutting tool to help offset the taper. A combination of artiulcating the tool, and Q5 edge quality can result in tolerances tighter than +/-0.005”.

Q: What type of file can I use to create my design?

When submitting designs, the preferred file format is DXF.  Although we can import other file types such as: AI, and DWG. We’re open to accepting other file types, but there can be an additional charge if we must vectorize the design.

Q: Can I supply my own material?

Yes. We usually have a variety of most common materials in stock: Stainless, Mild Steel, Aluminum 6061 and 5052, Copper, Brass, and some plastics.  If you have a special material or some stock on hand, we are happy to use what you supply.

Make sure when you are supplying your own material to have the sheet larger than the part you need cut.  Ensure it is at least a 1/2″ larger in both height and width so we can secure the piece and keep it from moving while it is being cut.  For more precious material, we can often nest parts closer to the edge -- please call for details.

Q: How does Waterjetting compare to Laser Cutting?

Waterjet does not heat the material – no warping / heat affected zone

  • produces a clean cut that usually requires little or no secondary work

  • not affected by reflective surfaces

  • safer to humans and the environment – produces no toxic fumes

  • same or higher tolerances

Q: Who uses Portland Waterjet? 

Now that our maximum bed size has expanded to over 4’ x 8’, we can now accommodate much larger projects than in the past. Our two smaller machines are designed for separate tasks in mind — One to precision cut thick material, and the other to pierce brittle material (like porcelain and glass). We welcome creators, fabricators, engineers, and all else who may need a project cut, from artist to industry. We like to think we have a machine special for everyone.