LMS Stamping and Water-Jet Prototyping

Water-Jet Prototyping

Quantity:
Set up charges are less per part when spread over many pieces. 50 pieces is a typical economical run quantity.

Set Up Fee:
The cost for programming/setup depends on the complexity of the job. There is a $250.00 minimum order requirement. It is usually cheaper to program and cut more than one shape at a time. There is no setup fee to run the same parts again.

Material:
The water-jet can cut virtually any material up to 2" thick with accuracy +/-.005: glass, titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fiber etc. Generally thinner, softer materials take less time to cut and cost less to run. You can supply your own material if you like or we can provide it. We prefer to cut from sheet instead of strip because it involves less set up time. Cutting parts that barely fit the supplied material will require fixtures and add to the cost.

Shape:
The water-jet is ideal for cutting irregular shapes and contours. The shape of the part is essential for costing because cutting speed varies depending on the shape. Cutting cost is based on the time required to cut the shape(s).

Quality:
By cutting with water the temper of the material is not heat effected which eliminates edge hardening. Water-jet cutting quality is rated from (1 - 5). 5 is the highest quality setting, 1 is the lowest and costs the least per cut. We usually quote steel knife blanks using a quality setting of #2. Titanium liners & handles are normally quoted at quality #3.

Taper:
Taper ranges from 1 to 1.5 degrees depending on the material type, thickness and cutting quality.

Kerf Width:
The water-jet stream is approximately .030" wide. Parts are nested a minimum of .100" apart and .250" from the edge of the material. The water-jet can pierce holes as small as .045”.

How do I get a quote?:
Send us a drawing, sample or Autocad DXF file with material type, thickness and quantities required. You can reach us at phone 610-867-5011, fax 610-866-1433 or by e-mailing info@lmsstampings.com.

For other water-jet related questions you may access The Waterjet Web Reference Guide.