Are the waterjets hard to program?
Waterjets are no harder to program with standard CNC equipment than any other cutting process. With standard CAM software, converting DXF to cutting program is quick and easy, with only speed changes for material changes. With the PC based control software such as FlowMaster, programming for abrasive waterjets is easier and quicker than any other process. All the guess work is gone. This means projects are programmed and cut quickly and accurately. What fixturing is required? Since the force exerted on the workpiece is very small (under 1 lb. for precision cuts and under 5 lbs. for average cuts), the need for very large, stiff fixtures is eliminated. Many customers use simple weights to hold the parts in place. What are the operating costs of a waterjet? Hourly costs range from about $19 per hour for the small head (0.010/0.030), up to $35 per hour for the large head (0.016/0.040). This includes all costs related to the machine, but does not include labor, lease, and depreciation. What
