Artisan and Fabrication Laboratories (AFL)

Armstrong Hall of Engineering

Artisan and Fabrication Laboratories (AFL)

Water Jet Information

Water Jet Information

The Artisan and Fabrication Laboratory operate a 40,000psi Flow Water Jet. This Water Jet machine cuts metal, plastic, wood, leather and many other assorted materials by utilizing 40,000 psi of water force combined with abrasive Garnett sand. The Water Jet can cut many different shapes and sizes and can also etch / scribe some materials as well.

The 40,000 psi Flow Water Jet produces high quality parts and can hold close tolerances. The edge quality and kerf both depend on the Garnett size that is used in conjunction with the high pressure water to cut the part. Many different types of materials can be cut on the Water Jet Machine including; Aluminum (any grade), Mild Steel, Hardened Steel, Chrome Molly Steel, Titanium, Carbide, Plastics (most all types), wood, wood laminates, carbon fiber, fiberglass and some cloth materials.

If you plan to utilize the Water Jet Machine for your next project, be pro-active and come in and discuss the operation with the Employees of the AFL. Material sizes and shapes may require more material then what you designed. In some applications we need extra materials to compensate for kerf, clamping space to hold that materials down in the Water Jet Machine’s bed and other nesting issues. In some other applications, the Water Jet operation needs to be done before other Machining operations. Again, for the best interaction and project results, come to the AFL with your design and discuss the required materials size and shape. Further, the Water Jet Machine is heavily utilized and you should schedule early. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Operating Costs:

The operational cost of the equipment is $25 per hour. This covers the perishable tooling and maintenance costs.

Additionally, the current Garnett costs are:

100 Mesh Garnett = $0.30 per pound

Labor Costs:

If you have not been thru the training class for the Water Jet Machine and must utilize a Student Employee, a Lab TA or one of the Staff Employees to assist you there can be a $20 per hour charge for Labor.

Your Garnett costs and Operational costs are based on actual Water Jet Machine run time. It records this on the machine controls.

Labor costs are charged for actual shop time. You will usually accrue more shop time charges than you will actual machine on time. That is because of set and prep in the shop before you actually begin cutting. Additionally, labor costs include clean up after use as well.

Data Files:

The Water Jet Machine is usually dependant on the part print YOU provide. Your part data needs to be in “.dxf” format and it must be complete. Simple parts can be drawn on the Water Jet Controls screen but we generally work off YOUR drawing. If you have multiples of the same part you should check with the AFL Staff before commencement of work to determine how the parts can be “nested” for more efficient materials utilization.

Cutting Time:

The cutting time is dependent upon the size and complexity of the parts and the number of jobs ahead of you on the schedule. The AFLstaff’s expectation is to havea 3 business days turn-around from the time of submittal.

Process To Complete Before Use:

1.Please complete AFL’s Electronic Project Submission as well as this form.

2.Also complete a“Account Verification Form” and deliver it to room ARMS B089.

3.Fill out“Part A” or note “See Submitted Project File”

4.Schedule a meeting at the Water Jet (ARMS B103) to review thecutting job; which will allow “Part B” of this form to be completed for estimating the project. Please bring a flash drive with your “.dxf” file(s) at this time.

5.The fee for running the water jet is $25.00/hr, plus $0.30/lb of Garnet.

6.Note: your department or Professor may require Design Approval before allowing you to cut. Please check accordingly.

Part A:

Part B:(to be completed during Flow Water Jet meeting after “.dxf” files are submitted)

Version 310/23/12