Frequently Asked Questions

Elemet Manufacturing uses two waterjet cutting techniques: abrasive waterjet cutting and pure water jet cutting. CNC abrasive waterjet cutting combines high-pressure water and abrasive materials to cut metal up to two or four times faster than traditional machining. Elemet’s Pure Water Non-Metal waterjet cutting uses highly pressurized water to cut through various materials.

The accuracy of waterjet cutting machines can be affected by the thickness of the metal and how precise the controller is. However, Elemet Manufacturing waterjet cutting equipment is highly accurate. The machines achieve tolerances of +/- 0.001″ with consistency.

Elemet’s state of the art waterjet cutting can cut through almost any material. Our machines can handle workpiece sizes up to 144″ x 96″ x 36″.

Each of Elemet Manufacturing’s two waterjet systems works better with certain materials. The CNC abrasive waterjet cutting machine is capable of cutting metals like:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Carbon steel
• Titanium
• Stainless steel

The Pure Water Non-Metal waterjet cutting system works with a variety of materials including, but not limited to:

• Rubber
• Foam
• Plastic panels
• Carpet
• Marble
• Glass
• Decorative stone

Waterjet cutting utilizes a cold-cutting process, so little to no edge treatment or finishing treatment will be necessary. The process does not create imperfections, burrs, or rough surfaces that require secondary finishing steps.

CNC machining, also called Computer Numerical Control, is a machining process using code to work on metal parts and pieces. The machine usually has a CAD software program that allows the user to design what needs to be cut. CNC machines then utilize code based on a 3D or 2D drawing from the CAD software. Then, the CNC machining will match thousands of coordinates to cut and shape the design. Elemet Manufacturing uses 3, 4, and 5 axis machines, with the best choice depending on the project.

CNC machining is useful in a vast array of industries, including:

• Agriculture
• Transportation
• Building
• Construction

CNC milling utilizes a computer to oversee the process and shape workpieces with cutters. This type of milling promises higher accuracy, production rates, and precision. The process starts with a 2D or 3D design that is exported into a file format by CAM software into a CNC machine. The operator prepares the machine by attaching the workpiece to the work surface and the tools to the machine spindle. The operator will start the program which prompts the machine to begin the operation. The machine then rotates the cutting tool at thousands of RPMs to match the application’s requirements.

CNC machines are well-matched for cutting steel. However, they can also be used on metals like brass or aluminum. There are multiple types of plastics compatible with CNC, including:

• Acrylics
• Polycarbonate
• Acetal
• Polypropylene

But it’s not limited to plastics. Other materials that can be CNC machined include:

• Plywood
• Hardwood
• Softwood
• Carving foam
• Rigid foam

Tolerance is the permitted variation based on size to achieve proper function. It essentially equals the difference between upper and lower limit dimensions. Standard tolerances for CNC machining is +/- 0.005″. With Elemet, it is possible to achieve tighter tolerance when selecting between 3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis CNC machines.