Waterjet machines are precision tools and call for a high level of skill and accuracy. These machines eject water with such force that they can engrave or cut metal. Sometimes the water is mixed with an abrasive matter that sharpens the cutting ability.

If you are a small business owner who needs a waterjet machine for creating a product or providing a service, you should definitely implement a water jet machines education and training policy to ensure the safety of your employees. In fact, in order for your business to be successful, you as a business owner should make training for water jet machines a priority for your employees for many reasons, including:

1. If your employees are not skilled in using certain abrasive water jet cutting machines, not only will product be damaged, but so will your profits and reputation.

2. Waterjet machines are dangerous if not used correctly. Avoid a lawsuit, or worse, an accident, by ensuring your employees are skilled in using this tool.

3. Consider on-site and hands-on training initially for a water jet saw, and incorporate tutorials and other online training resources for further educational purposes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out the training available for a water jet cutting machine before adding it to your program

It is imperative that you review training and educational resources first, then create a list of required training for your employees. Providers of waterjet machines can be helpful resources also. This way you can make sure the training resources are reputable and relevant to the type of service you provide.

I recommend: Wardjet features courses on cutting techniques, as well as a user training course for its M-series waterjet. Richel offers a two-day course on subjects including waterjet cutters and multiple head cutters.

Mandate a continuing training policy for employees who use water jet saws

Continued training for your employees should be a requirement since safety is a big issue with these machines. Online tutorials or videos are helpful and often free. The objective should be to insist on a level of skill from your employees, thus increasing their level of safety.

I recommend: International Waterjet Machine offers a number of demonstration video clips on waterjet cutting techniques. Waterjets.org gives a basic introduction on waterjets, their purpose and the advantages of utilizing them.

Stay abreast of the latest in flow jet machine techniques

If you want your business to compete in its industry, you need to stay current in your equipment, knowledge and skill. This means continually looking up relevant resources so you are familiar with every aspect of your business.

I recommend: Jet Edge offers hands-on precision cutting training at its training lab. AccuStream provides hands-on training, in addition to product manuals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As your business grows, consider allocating the responsibility of researching training resources for particular a water jet machine to one person or department.

Water jet machines first started seeing widespread use in the 1970s, and today are recognized as the cleanest and most efficient cutters for many types of jobs and materials. Instead of using a less precise technology that's often harder to manipulate, work with a water jet saw to fashion the product you want to the exact specifications you need.

Abrasive water jet cutting employs simple physics and common elements. A water jet machine, otherwise known as a water jet saw or flow jet machine, fires a concentrated stream of water at high speed at whatever material you need to cut. For certain materials, an abrasive substance like garnet or aluminum oxide is suspended as grit in the water for extra cutting power. Why should you use this technology, and what are your options?

1. There are many advantages to water jet cutting machines.

2. You have various choices in water jet cutting services.

3. Consider purchasing your own water jet machine if your needs require extensive use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get more accurate results by using water jet saws

Water jet saws are ideal for working with when you need a very fine or intricate result. The medium adds an unparallelled precision to your cutting and prevents many of the side effects of more conventional cutting tools, such as material-damaging heat. Because it uses high-pressure water instead of a solid cutting material, a water jet cutter produces little or no friction, meaning that you get a perfectly-shaped product with no damage or discoloration from heat. Additionally, most machines use a computer for a controlled, exact cut.

I recommend: Alibaba.com and the WaterJetting Directory list many different kinds of machines, for many different jobs. Find out what type of water jet saw, and what size, would be ideal for the kind of work you must do.

Locate the company that would best provide water jet cutting services

As with any industry, you have various choices when it comes to water jet cutting services. You'd like to find a company that will do the job you want for a price that's reasonable to you. Some services specialize in a certain area, and others can handle virtually any kind of cutting you may have in mind. Analyze your needs and balance them against your budget. What is it you need? How much are you willing to spend? Answering these questions gives you an edge when it comes to picking the right service.

I recommend: Determine your exact requirements before contacting any companies. That way, you can browse companies and select a service that's appropriate and tell them precisely what you need.

Consider whether you might want your own flow jet machine

Flow jet machines aren't cheap, but if you're starting up a business that would require their frequent use, then purchasing your own equipment may not be such a bad idea. There are many options; if you can afford it, a new machine is a good choice because, as with any new equipment, it's pretty much guaranteed to be in good condition. On the other hand, used water jet machines are easy to find; there's little chance that the person before you actually did any damage; and, most importantly, used water jet cutter prices can be a lot easier for your budget to handle.

I recommend: Shop around and see what new and used machines cost. Compare prices at Direct Industry and see what works best for your business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're considering purchasing your own machine, contact someone who works with a water cutting machine to get a first-hand opinion. You might also ask them about visiting their workplace to watch one in operation. There's nothing like a live demonstration.