Innovation Workshop Wiki

Last Updated: 9/19/23 Yanis
This SOP is compiled from the following sources. For more information reference these sources.

• Wazer User Manual
• Wazer Maintenance Manual

• Safety Considerations
• Materials
  • Allowed Materials
  • Prohibited Materials
• Mounting Materials in the Bed: Polypropylene Plastic Corrugated Bed
• Cutting
• Troubleshooting
• General Material Recipes For Aluminum
  • Thickness, cutting settings
• Maintenance

The Wazer Waterjet is located on the second floor in the Innovation Workshop, found across from the lathe.

• This training provides an introduction to using and operating the waterjet cutters including:
  • File Types
    • DXF
    • SVG
  • Software
    • Job Control
    • WAM Software
  • Safety
    • General hazard
    • Material composition
  • Waterjet Use
  • Maintenance
    • Adding more abrasive
    • Throwing away used abrasive
    • Collecting used abrasive

• Always wear safety glasses when using the machine.
• Always work with the machine cover closed.
• NEVER leave the waterjet alone when running a job.
• The machine door must be left open while you are away.
• Ensure that the abrasive tanks are full.
• Remove leftovers of used abrasive in the used abrasive bucket before running a new job.
• Confirm that there are no leaks when running a job.

Always check materials list BEFORE attempting to cut/engrave a material. If unsure contact IW Staff.

Allowed Materials

• Thin sheets of metal
• Glass and ceramics (will produce larger kerfs)
• Plastic (poor finish and will clog filters)
• Rubber (poor finish and will clog filters)
• Composites (will delaminate)

1. Open WAM. This is where you will create the toolpath for your job.
   1. Upload your DXF or SVG file onto the software.
   2. Scale and position your parts. Importing the file may result in a change in dimensions, so double check the measurements are still the same.
   3. The grid in the software matches the plastic cut bed in the Wazer. Move your part(s) so that they will fit within your material.
   4. Select the material you are working with and select the corresponding thickness. If you do not see the material you are cutting, contact a wizard.
   5. Select the cutting path offset. This will allow you to control how the kerf will affect your cut (don't change the default unless you know how to adjust it).
   6. Select your tabs and leads. This will prevent vibration/pop-ups, which will jam the waterjet and ruin the cut, and also improve accuracy.
      1. Usually 2-4 tabs is enough for most materials and thicknesses.
      2. Tab thickness should be proportional to material thickness, a good rule of thumb is for your tab thickness to be 30-50% of your material thickness. For very thin materials, we recommend a minimum tab thickness of 0.05“
   7. Select the cut quality. This will determine time for each job and the amount of abrasive used.
      1. Fine usually gives the best results