Waterjet sample
Feature Waterjet Bay is a benchtop abrasive waterjet cell for workshops needing clean, cold sample cuts in plate, glass, stone and composites using garnet abrasive.
Sample bays choose waterjet when plastics and metals need clean edges without burn.
| Pressure | Equipment class |
|---|---|
| Abrasive | Garnet cue |
| Catcher | Service notes |
| Ideal for | Samples |
| Lead | Stock Gauteng |
| Care | Nozzle + garnet |
Feature Waterjet Bay is a compact abrasive waterjet setup designed for cutting samples, prototypes and short-run parts cleanly without heat. It suits workshops and training centres that need to cut through materials where keeping edges cool and unburnt is vital.
Typical users include fabrication job shops, prototype teams, cabinet makers testing new composites, and schools needing safe, cold cuts in plate or glass. Unlike plasma or laser, there is no heat-affected zone, so plastics and sensitive laminates stay flat and true.
This bay handles most flat materials that fit on a benchtop: stainless and mild steel plate, aluminium, acrylic, polycarbonate, ceramics, marble, granite and composites. Glass can be cut with minimal chipping thanks to the cold process.
Part size is limited by the bay's working area, intended for samples and small jobs, not full sheets. Ideal jobs are brackets, logos, architectural samples, test coupons, or custom gaskets. For large-volume or thick-section cutting, a full-size waterjet or plasma table is more practical.
The Feature Waterjet Bay needs a solid, level base with space for the bay, its water tank, and abrasive catcher. Standard South African supply is 230 V single-phase or 400 V three-phase at 50 Hz. All wiring and connections must be done by a registered electrician, and you must obtain a Certificate of Compliance.
You will need a steady supply of clean tap water, drainage for the catcher, and regular bags of garnet abrasive (80 mesh is common). The noise level can exceed 85 dB(A), so earmuff hearing protection and signage are needed if you run the bay in an open workshop. Extraction is not required for waterjet dust, but do keep the bay and surrounds clean to avoid slip risks.
A fabrication shop in Germiston needs to cut a series of prototype brackets from 10 mm aluminium plate. The team sets up the Feature Waterjet Bay on a sturdy steel table, connects water and drainage, and loads up the garnet abrasive tray.
Operators prepare the DXF files, clamp the plate, and run the job. The parts come off the bay with cool, burr-free edges, ready for fitting. Because the process is cold, there is no risk of heat warping or HAZ, and the surface finish is ready for anodising or powder coating straight off the bay.
Early issues often come down to poor water quality, blocked nozzles or running the bay without enough garnet. Always use clean, filtered water and top up the garnet before each cut. Monitor the catcher for overflow and drain as needed to avoid mess and slip hazards.
Keep the nozzle clean and inspect it for wear weekly. Power cuts are less frequent on the Highveld now, but still fit a UPS to the control PC for safe shutdowns and to protect your settings. Train each operator on startup, shutdown, and cleaning routines to avoid downtime and expensive nozzle blockages.
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