Abrasive Waterjet Machining A state of the art machining technique that harnesses the power of a directed high pressure stream of water mixed with abrasives to cut through materials.  SKL has a new 55,000 psi CNC abrasive waterjet cutting machine. Table Size 4' x 8' Max workable area 4' x 8' Tolerances achievable ± .005" Materials that can be worked with No restrictions Finish Ra - 20- 120 micro inches Minimum hole size .062" Thickness 6" Max. Why use Abrasive Waterjet Cutting technology? Lower forces on part - Minimal fixturing costs Better Nesting capability for work pieces - Savings Elimination of heat affected zones and hence reduction and/or elimination of secondary finishing operations Reduced kerf and burring- closer positioning, saving in material specifically with Titanium, Hastelloy, and Inconel alloys. Ability to process frail parts or workpieces with long length to width ratios Near net shape and omni-directional cutting. Used for irregular work (scroll work) Easy recycling of clean slugs, as opposed to messy coolant-soaked chips. A comparison between Waterjet and competing cutting technologies Description Waterjet Cutting Laser Cutting Plasma Cutting Material No restrictions. Recommended for Titanium Limitations on Aluminum cutting thickness   Thickness .005" - 6" Thickness 3/4" Max. - Ti   Rough & Heat hardened edges None Yes Yes Secondary Finishing None Grinding Required Grinding Required Waterjet Diameter .062" 1/8"   Abrasive Waterjet (AWJ) Cutting - Why Subcontract? More economical - Subcontract houses are 20% to 30% more efficient than in-house operations. You can confirm that AWJ produces the desired results with regard to tolerances and finish, without having to purchase an expensive AWJ Machine ($150,000 for approx 55,000 psi machine) Subcontracting ensures that you can test whether AWJ is the process suited for you without a major capital investment Remove maximum amount of materials prior to finishing at a very competitive rate with respect to wire EDM Painted chassis and paneling can be machined without paint degradation