Water Jet Cutting Quotes

Fathom uses the latest in water jet cutting machinery to deliver high-quality parts to its customers. Whether time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision, or short production run related, Fathom will meet the requirements of your project.

Why You Should Leverage Water Jet Cutting / /

Water jet cutting is an efficient and accurate manufacturing process that produces difficult or complex parts without warping or thermal stress.

Details Considered for Quoting a Water Jet Cutting Job / /

Several important factors determine the cost of water jet cutting, including the design, material, quantity ordered, and turnaround time.

Design

During water jet cutting, the machine can cut rounded features more quickly than sharp features. The machine must slow down to cut sharp internal corners. To speed up the manufacturing process, avoid sharp corners where possible.

Material

Water jet cutting is suitable for a variety of materials. Aluminum, steel, titanium, and more can all be used for water jet manufacturing. The thickness of the material can affect the cutting speed. Material that is greater than 1 inch thick will require more time to cut.

Quantity

Water jet cutting costs are also affected by the volume of parts required. Generally, most costs are quoted based on the time a job takes on the water jet cutting machine. Productivity can be increased by stacking thinner material during production, though additional time may be needed to set up the machine.

Turnaround Time

Water jet cutting is a cost-efficient manufacturing process. As an automated CNC process, water jet cutting offers good accuracy, labor and time savings. Lead times are also reduced as no special tooling is needed

Water Jet Cutting Quote Times / /

Take advantage of Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform and receive a quote within 24 hours. Do you need a water jet cutting quote, or would you like to learn about another manufacturing service? Fathom’s water jet cutting lead times are as follows:

• Parts as fast as 5 days

Water Jet Cutting Services Offered by Fathom / /

Water jet cutting, sometimes known as water jet or abrasive jet cutting, uses a high-pressure water jet to cut a thin line in metal material. Abrasive water jets mix an abrasive with water and are ideal for heavy gauge applications. Water jet cutting is an automated system that uses CNC systems to direct the water jet and increase precision. Little material waste is made because water jet cutting is a highly accurate process. Water jet cutting is perfect for cutting larger or multi-piece projects with rapid water level control for submerged cutting and a large work envelope.

Water jet cutting is one of 28 manufacturing processes offered by Fathom.

Additive Manufacturing

• FDM
• SLS
• SLA
• Polyjet
• MJF
• DMLS
• DLS
• STEP (Evolve)

CNC Machining

• CNC (3 & 5 Axis)
• CNC Lathe
• Precision Grinding
• Wire & Sinker EDM

Injection Molding

• Injection Molding
• Tooling
• Compression Molding

Metal Cutting and Forming

• Thermoforming
• Sheet Metal Punching
• Sheet Metal Cutting
• Metal Forming
• Laser Cutting
• Water Jet Cutting
• Chemical Etching
• Welding
• Micro Cutting

Standalone

• Die Casting
• Urethane Casting
• Composite Layups
• Extrusion
• Post Processing & Finishing
  • Pad Printing
  • Powder Coating
  • Bead Blasting
  • Surface Grinding
  • Polishing
  • Anodize
  • Powder Coat Passivate
  • Chemfilm
  • Vacuum Metallization
  • Silkscreen
  • Plating
  • Tumbled

How Water Jet Cutting Differs from Other Forms of Cutting / /

Water Jet Cutting

Water jet manufacturing is a good match for projects that require an outstanding edge quality. During water jet cutting, a pump with a cutting head as small as a human hair releases a high-pressure stream of water. The water may be combined with an abrasive such as garnet to cut through thicker material, such as steel. Learn more about water jet cutting.

Micro-Cutting

Micro-cutting is used to create small components where higher accuracy is necessary. Micro-cutting should only be used to make flat parts with a thickness between 0.001” to 0.125”. Micro-cutting or micro water jet cutting is water jet manufacturing on a micro-level. Like water jet cutting, micro-cutting uses a high-powered stream to cut through the material. Learn more about micro water jet cutting.

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is most commonly used to create parts from sheet metal, wood, glass, rubber, and more. Laser cutting uses a high-powered laser to cut through the material. CNC is used to direct the laser beam and the workpiece. Like water jet manufacturing, laser cutting can make clean cuts with high accuracy. Laser cutting is not suitable for material thicker than 4 inches. Learn more about laser cutting.

Wire EDM

Wire EDM is used to manufacture parts using an electrically conductive material that may not be machined using conventional methods. During wire EDM, a tool is used to discharge sparks that melt through the material and create an accurate cut. Throughout the wire EDM process, the part is submerged in water which flushes any scrap material. Water jet cutting and wire EDM are both accurate processes, but wire EDM is best when a higher level of accuracy is necessary. If extreme accuracy is not necessary, then water jet cutting is a great option. Learn more about wire EDM.

Water Jet Cutting Machines Used by Fathom / /

Fathom’s manufacturing network includes over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches, and additive systems. Fathom runs various machines specifically for water jet cutting.

Fathom also offers hybridized services that leverage water jet cutting. Do you need water jet cutting as part of a more complex project? Fathom can deliver. A recent case study illustrates how Fathom manufactured 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools, including water jet cutting services.:

Case Study //

Real Customers. Real Results.

A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.

20,000 Parts // Within 27 Days

15,000

55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts

First Article in 2 Weeks

3,000

3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts

2,000

2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts

Hybridized Services Used //

3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.

DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.

CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.

Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.

24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.

Injection + Compression Molding.

Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.

Advanced Project Management.

Fathom’s Locations for Water Jet Cutting / /

Fathom has 2 US-based locations that offer water jet cutting, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include water jet cutting, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading US companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.

Locations include:

COLORADO
7770 Washington Street
Denver, CO 80229
ISO 9001:2015
ITAR

NEW YORK
1920 Slaterville Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
ITAR

Water Jet Cutting Specifications and Tolerances / /

Water jet cutting is ideal for cutting larger or multiple part projects with rapid water level control for submerged cutting and a work envelope offering X-Y cutting travel from 13′ 4″ up to 26′ 8″ x 6′ 8″ (4,064 – 8,128 mm x 2,032 mm). Water jet technology provides higher cutting accuracies and tighter tolerances than standard cutting processes.

Water Jet Cutting Materials List / /

Aluminum, steel, titanium and more, are all suitable for use in water jet cutting manufacturing. Thanks to water jet cuttings’ speed and accuracy, it has become a popular production method. Fathom has many materials suitable for water jet cutting, including:

• Aluminum
• Steel
• Titanium
• Inconel
• Brass
• Tool steel
• Composites

Advantages of Water Jet Cutting / /

Water jet cutting has many advantages. Water jet cutting can be used with various materials and makes no thermal impact or material structure changes. As no special tooling is required, the setup cost is lower. In addition to accuracy, water jet manufacture results in vertical edge quality, minimal kerf, minimal burr or need for secondary finishing, and efficient use of materials. Water jet cut parts are highly durable and can have complex shapes. Water jet cutting is a fast process with a quick turnaround.

Water Jet Cutting Finishing Processes / /

Finishing processes can upgrade the surface of the part to have a professional surface finish. In addition to an improved appearance, finishing can add strength, rust resistance, metal conductivity and more. Painting, deburring, transfers, drilling, and assembly are some of the finishing methods offered by Fathom.

Painting

Painting can add color, ink, or varnish to a part. Powder coating, liquid coating, or e-coating may be used to paint a part. Powder coating uses an electrostatically charged powder which leaves a scratch-resistant, even coat on the part. Liquid coating involves applying wet paint directly to the part. E-coating dips the part into a bath of paint which is then electrified. After it has been electrified, the paint adheres to the part.

Transfers

Transfers are used to add a label or design to a part. The design is placed onto the part and a heated press is used to apply pressure. The design is then transferred to the part. This method can also be used to print a design that will later be engraved onto the part.

Assembly

If a part is a smaller piece of a larger part then assembly is needed. During the assembly step, the workpiece is fused with other parts to create the final product. Fasteners or bonding procedures may be used to join the parts together temporarily or permanently.

Drilling

Drilling adds a round hole to a part. Pieces are drilled using a drill press, tapping or milling machine. Spotting or peck drills may be used, depending on the type of hole required.

Deburring

Deburring can remove any imperfections when a part has raised edges or burrs to create a smooth surface finish. Deburring may involve electrochemical deburring, thermal deburring, or abrasive flow deburring. Electrochemical deburring uses an anodic metal dissolution to remove excess material. Thermal deburring uses a combustible gas in a pressurized chamber to smooth a part. Abrasive deburring uses an abrasive slurry to remove burrs.

Examples of Water Jet Cut Parts / /

Water jet cutting can produce many different products, whether made from titanium or composite material. Fathom has worked with industrial, commercial, aerospace, medical clients, and more to produce high-quality parts. Some examples of parts made using water jet cutting include:

• Engine components
• Airplane parts
• Truck bed liners
• Bumpers
• Copper head gaskets
• Automotive interior trim
• Electrical enclosures
• Cable stripping
• Circuit boards
• Metal artwork
• Signage
• Stained glass
• Healthcare products
• Stone flooring
• Stone furniture
• Beverage manufacturing equipment
• And much more

Water Jet Cutting FAQs / /

Q: Does Fathom offer water jet cutting?

A: Yes, Fathom offers water jet cutting.

Q: What is water jet cutting?

A: Water jet cutting is a manufacturing method that uses a high-pressure water jet to cut a thin line in the selected metal material.

Q: Is Fathom ISO certified?

A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom ITAR certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom AS9100:2016 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom NIST 800-171 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: How much does a water jet cutting machine cost?

A: A professional water jet cutting machine ranges in cost from $55,000 to over $200,000.

Q: Is water jet cutting expensive?

A: The cost of water jet cutting depends on the number of parts, raw material chosen, the complexity of design, and more. Use our SmartQuote platform to get a quote today.

Q: What can water jets cut?

A: Water jet machines can cut many different types of metal, from aluminum to titanium.

Q: Can water jet cut steel?

A: Yes, water jet machines can cut steel.

Related Topics / /

• Water Jet Cutting Services
• Micro Water Jet Cutting Services

How to Get a Water Jet Cutting Quote / /

Are you looking to get water jet cutting quotes or calculate CNC costs for an upcoming project? Fathom’s SmartQuote application provides fast quotes for any CNC file.