Artisan and Fabrication Lab, Purdue University

Information For Waterjet Users

Waterjet Forms

Word Document Waterjet Request Form

PDF Document Account Verification Form

PDF Document Waterjet Help: Creating a DXF File from CAD

Waterjet Information

The Artisan and Fabrication Laboratory (AFL) operates a 40,000 psi Waterjet cutting machine manufactured by Flow Corporation (http://www.flowcorp.com/). The Waterjet utilizes 40,000 psi of water pressure with a garnet abrasive (sand) to cut a variety of materials 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.

The Waterjet produces high quality parts with tight tolerances which allow you to create parts with many different shapes and sizes. The Waterjet can also etch and scribe some materials. The edge quality and kerf are both depend upon the garnet size used in conjunction with the water pressure.

If you are interested in using the Waterjet for your next project, please come to ARMS B089 to discuss the project with an AFL employee. Your project may require additional material than your original design to account for the size, shape, kerf, and clamping space required to hold the materials while cutting, and other nesting issues. Some projects may require cutting with the Waterjet before other machining operations are performed. Please be aware that the Waterjet is heavily utilized so you should schedule its use as soon as possible; Do not wait until the last minute.


Operating Costs

The operational and consumable costs (garnet, tips, mixing tubes, pump seals, etc) are billed to all users via a Purdue account number (cash is not accepted) using the Account Verification Form above.

The current costs for stock consumables are:

  • Garnet Abrasive: $0.30 per pound (the actual cost of garnet abrasive purchased in bulk)
  • Other Consumables: $19/hour (the recommended consumable cost from the manufacturer)
The Waterjet accurately measures the amount of garnet abrasive used and machine cutting time for each job, which are used to invoice each user upon job completion. Keep in mind that design is an iterative process; the user will incur the consumable costs for all parts manufactured on the Waterjet, even those parts deemed unusable.


Research Projects

See the AFL Research Policy here.

Data Files

The data files for Waterjet must be in DXF format and be a complete drawing; the parts created on the Waterjet are only as good as the drawing you provide. Simple parts may be drawn on the Waterjet computer using your complete drawing. If you have multiples of a part, check with the AFL staff before cutting to determine how the parts can be nested for more efficient material utilization.

PDF Document Waterjet Help: Creating a DXF File from CAD

Manufacturing Time

The manufacturing time is dependent upon the size and complexity of the parts and the number of jobs ahead of yours on the schedule.  The minimum turnaround time is expected to be 3 business days from the time your request is submitted and your material is delivered to the AFL.


Process To Complete Before Use

1. Please complete AFL Electronic Project Submission and the Waterjet Request Form and deliver it to room ARMS B089.
2. Also complete an Account Verification Form and deliver it to room ARMS B089.
3. Fill out Part A of the Waterjet Request Form.
4. Schedule a meeting at the Water Jet (ARMS B103) to review the cutting job; this will allow Part B of the Waterjet Request Form to be completed for estimating the project. Please bring a flash drive with your .dxf file(s) at this time.
5. Note: your department or Professor may require Design Approval before allowing you to cut. Please check accordingly.