Predrilling holes with waterjet, for example, increases performance of some EDM processes. EDM and laser cutting are finding that waterjet extends their capabilities to reflective and nonconductive materials. Also users frequently mention that precision is often less important than the flexibility and speed of waterjet in these applications. The flexibility and cool cutting characteristics of abrasive waterjet makes it a welcome tool for manufacturers faced with applications for new materials such as composites and sandwiched materials that present special machining problems. The low forces applied to the workpiece during waterjet cutting allows cutting fragile materials without the fear of distortion or breakage.
Sticker shock is less a problem today as systems and component prices continue to drop.
Smaller machines such as Flow's new Panther is an example. Still justification for a waterjet system may hinge on a cost analysis of the tool and long term costs of making parts, according to Mr Burnum. With system improvements that allow a machine to run unattended for long periods of time and low maintenance costs, waterjet is often the best option. In one case study, a sign maker replaced nine band saws with a single waterjet machine to cut letters for its products. Others are using waterjet for rapid prototyping because there are no tooling costs and faster turn around according to Jeff Gardner, Boride Products, Travers City, MI, a company that has been an active participant in the development of waterjet technology.