Waterjets – or, to be specific, abrasive waterjets – may never be as ubiquitous as bridge saws in stone-fabrication shops, but they’re becoming the must-have machine for companies making their mark with custom work and close-tolerance cutting.
And, the selections are growing at a fast clip. Two years ago, anyone at a U.S. trade show might be hard-pressed to see more than three companies offering a machine to the stone industry. Now, with the first Stone Business survey of abrasive waterjets, 20 manufacturers are in the thick of the market fight.
The stone industry is also making an impact on the machines themselves; abrasive waterjets continue to grow in production area and the ability to handle larger pieces – i.e., stone slabs – in a continuous-production process. Several companies now offer models designed exclusively for stone.
It’s also a field where a few manufacturers are producing combination machines, marrying waterjet and basic saw capabilities.
Information in this survey includes the machine’s production area and the accuracy of initial and repeated cutting (or piercing) of stone. While the latter numbers seem close to microscopic – measured in the thousandths of inches – such close tolerance is key for medallions, insets and other intricate work.
Worktable dimensions are included to show the surface area that can hold a piece of stone. Where possible, there’s also the maximum weight that’s supported by the worktable.
Models can change, and prices of European-made machines can vary with the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and the euro. For the latest information – and before making any purchase commitment – always contact manufacturers or the U.S. agents/distributors.
The information provided is from surveys distributed to manufacturers in October 2006, along with additional research by Stone Business staff. Metric dimensions converted by Stone Business staff.


ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY, INC.
Hickory, N.C.

MasterJet 3000
MasterJet 3600
Master JetSaw

Price: Depends on configuration.
Worktable: 60” X 120” (MasterJet 3000); 84: X 144” (MasterJet 3600, Master JetSaw).
Maximum weight allowed: 2,000+ lbs.
Production area: 60” X 120” (Masterjet 3000); 84” X 144” (MasterJet 3600, Master JetSaw).
Maximum workable granite thickness: 4” (MasterJetSaw sawing); 6” (MasterJet and MasterJetSaw waterjet).
Multiple cutting heads: Yes (except Jetsaw).
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 55,000
Accuracy/tolerance: +/- 0.005” on 12” square and +/- 0.015” OA.
Abrasive recycling system: Optional
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: OSAI Series 10+
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: High-precision rack-and-pinion
Intensifier pump: WSI (50 HP)
Features for stone fabrication: Rigid structure for precision, accuracy and reliability; digital servomotors and precision helical rack-and-pinion drives for cutting accuracy; Master JetSaw combo machine for cutting straights with bridge-saw speed and shapes with waterjet flexibility; high-speed rapid movement for increased productivity; large hopper and head-mounted mini-hopper; variety of tables and material handling options integrated into system; designed specifically for stone fabrication.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Advanced Industrial Machinery Inc., 828-345-6004. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


BRETON S.p.A.
Castello di Godego , Italy
U.S. agent/representative: Breton USA, Sarasota, Fla.

COMBICUT DJ/NC

Worktable: 137.8” X 86.6”
Production area: 137.8” X 78.7” (350mm blade) or 77.1” (500mm blade).
Maximum workable granite thickness: 5cm
Blade diameters: 350mm-500mm
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 55,100
Abrasive recycling system: Not offered
Cutting controller: Onboard
Link to separate computer network: Yes
Intensifier pump: KMT 50 HP
Features for stone fabrication: Single-unit construction, 360° articulated cutting head, DXF file-type import (standard). Digital photo slab cutting management, optimizing/production management software, automatic worktable changeover (optional).
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Breton USA, 941-360-2700; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


BURKHARDT GmbH
Bayreuth, Germany
U.S. agent/representative: High Tech Stone, Elberton, Ga.

Hensel Model 598 WJ

Price: Depends on configuration
Worktable: 7.5’ X 12’ (up to four working areas per machine possible)
Maximum weight allowed: 10,000+ lbs.
Production area: 8.5’ X 13.75’
Multiple cutting heads: Yes (saw-blade and waterjet-head support)
Maximum blade diameter: 16”
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 43,500
Accuracy/tolerance: 0.10mm (in electronic control)
Abrasive recycling system: Optional
Cutting controller: Standalone
Controller type: Siemens
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Rack-and-pinion, high-precision linear bearings.
Intensifier pump: KMT (30 HP standard, 50 HP optional)
Features for stone fabrication: Sawing head with 16” blade for straight cuts; camera system for slab scanning; can be customized with a total of four working areas.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: High Tech Stone, 800-342-5540.


CALYPSO WATERJET SYSTEMS INC.
Dallas

StoneCenter™
HammerHead™
StoneCenter LWA™

Price: $139,000+ (HammerHead w/30 HP pump); $150,000+ (StoneCenter w/60 HP pump); $265,000+ (StoneCenter LWA w/60 HP pump).
Worktable: 130” X 78” (StoneCenter); 10’ X 5’, 12’ X 6’ (HammerHead); 10’ X 20’ (StoneCenter LWA).
Maximum weight allowed: Variable
Production area: 121” X 61” (HammerHead 10’ X 5’); 130” X 78” (StoneCenter, HammerHead 12’ X 6’); 120” X 240” (StoneCenter LWA).
Maximum workable granite thickness: 6”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: Linear positional accuracy over full travel of X and Y axis is variable from +/-0.003 to +/-0.005, depending on overall table size.
Abrasive removal system: Optional
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: PC/Windows-based
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Rack-and-pinion
Intensifier pump: KMT (30 HP, 60 HP, 100 HP, all 60,000 PSI)
Features for stone fabrication: NC Geomate Automated Programming software (standard); Dual head, NC Layout and NC Nesting software,  Calypso Abrasive Removal System, Calypso Water Recycling and Chilling System (optional).
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Calypso WaterJet Systems Inc., 972-488-8661.


C.M.S. SpA
Zogno, Italy
U.S. representative: CMS North America Inc., Caledonia, Mich.

Aquatek

Price: Depends on configuration
Worktable: 181” X 80”
Maximum weight allowed: 2,200 lbs.
Production area: 157” X 67”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: 0.10mm
Abrasive recycling system: Optional
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: WinP301 software
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Rack-and-pinion
Intensifier pump: Own design (60 HP)
Features for stone fabrication: Three-axes and five axes models, intensifier pump with three cylinders, automatic dredge-removal system, stainless-steel tank, single-unit construction, head/material anti-collision sensor (standard). Photo slab-scanner system; high-production shuttle system; high-pressure service treatment (optional).
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: CMS North America Inc., 800-225-5267; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ESAB CUTTING SYSTEMS
Florence, S.C.

Hydrocut PR
Hydrocut LR
Hydrocut HR

Price: $140,000-$200,000 (PR); $200,000-$400,000 (LR); $250,000-$400,000 (HR).
Worktable: 5’ X 5’ to 7’ X 13’ w/28’ length option (PR); 9’ to 21’ wide X up to 75’ long (LR): 7’ X 13’ up to 13’ X 13’ (HR).
Maximum weight allowed: Up to 250 lbs. per square foot.
Production area: 4’ X 4’ to 6’ X 12’ w/27’ length option (PR); 8’ to 20’ wide X up to 75’ long (LR): 6’ X 12’ up to 12’ X 12’ (HR).
Maximum workable granite thickness: 6”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: +/- 0.005” (PR); +/- 0.010 (LR); +/-0.003” (HR).
Abrasive recycling system: Not offered
Cutting controller: Onboard and standalone.
Controller type: ESAB Vision PC
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw and rack-and-pinion.
Intensifier pump: KMT (30 HP, 50 HP, 60 HP, 75 HP, 100 HP)
Features for stone fabrication: Open on three sides for material access (LR); dual-stage pumps; prepiecing routines; large bed sizes for loading mulitple slabs.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: ESAB Cutting Systems, 843-664-5619; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


FLOW INTERNATIONAL CORP.
Kent, Wash.

StoneCrafter Waterjet System

Price: Depends on configuration
Worktable: 6.5’ X 12’ and 6.5’ X 24’ (other sizes on request).
Maximum weight allowed: 150 lbs. per square foot (higher capacity on request).
Production area: 6.5’ X 12’; 6.5’ X 24’: twin 6.5’X 24’ tables (other sizes on request).
Maximum workable granite thickness: Up to 8”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 87,000
Accuracy/tolerance: Depends on overall part size and machine environmental conditions; machine accuracy is +/- .003 inches over entire envelope of travel.
Abrasive recycling system: Not offered
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: FlowMaster Windows®-based PC machine control and programming with custom stone software and sink DXF file library.
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw
Intensifier pump: Own design (HyperPressure™ 60,000 PSI or 87,000 PSI )
Features for stone fabrication: Easy material loading and unloading; custom-designed stone material support with and level tank edges; space-saving design; four-side access at ergonomically correct height.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Flow International Corp., 253-850-3500; www.flowcorp.com


HYDRAJET Tec LLC
Dalton, Ga.

Accura
Smart
Sharp

Price: $130,000+ (price dependent on model).
Worktable: 6’ X 10’, 6’ X 12’, 10’ X 20’.
Maximum weight allowed: 5,000+ lbs.
Production area: Varies, depending on model.
Maximum workable granite thickness: Up to 8”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: .002”
Abrasive recycling system: Optional
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: Varies
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw
Intensifier pump: Third-party (15 HP-200 HP)
Features for stone fabrication: Bridge moves off bed for full loading of granite; height sensor; wireless remote controller pendant.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Hydrajet Tec LLC, 800-910-0601.


JET EDGE INC.
St. Michael, Minn.

Jet Edge High Rail Gantry
Jet Edge Abrasive Machining Center
Jet Edge Mid-Rail Gantry

Price: $130,000-$250,000
Worktable: 5’ X 5’, 15’ X 15’, 21’ X 11’, 25’ X 11’.
Maximum weight allowed: Designed to customer requirements.
Production area: 4’1” X 4’1”, 14’1” X 14’1”, 20’1” X 10’1”, 24’1” X 10’1”.
Maximum workable granite thickness: 12” standard, 24” optional.
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: 0.005” accuracy with repeatability of 0.001” over entire work envelope.
Abrasive recycling system: Optional
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: PC-based AquaVision Di
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw (high-rail gantry and AMC); rack-and-pinion (mid-rail gantry).
Intensifier pump: Own design (30 HP-260 HP)
Features for stone fabrication: Patented dual-pressure valve, working with any manufacturer’s system, for raising and lowering water pressure independently from intensifier pump.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Jet Edge Inc., 800-538-3343.


JORDON WATERJETS
Miami

HJ250
HJ300
HJ380

Price: $57,000-$96,000
Worktable: 40” X 40” to 96” X 166”.
Maximum weight allowed: 4,000 lbs.
Production area: Up to 110 ft(2)
Maximum workable granite thickness: 4”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 57,000
Accuracy/tolerance: .25mm
Abrasive recycling system: Not offered
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: Industrial PC
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw
Intensifier pump: Own design (250-380 MPA)
Features for stone fabrication: Direct-drive pump system; three-pump selection for right pressure application; touch-screen interface; installation and training included in price; optional tilting table.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Jordon Waterjets and SAME Equipment., 800-833-2159.


MULTICAM LP
Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, Texas

1000 series
4000 series
6000 series

Price: $139,000-$190,000
Worktable: 62” X 122”, 80” X 122”, 80” X 146” (4000 series); 122” X 62”, 122” X 122”, 144” X 80” (6000 series).
Maximum weight allowed: 150 lbs. per square foot (standard).
Production area: 62” X 122”, 80” X 122”, 80” X 146” (4000 series); 122” X 62”, 122” X 122”, 144” X 80” (6000 series).
Maximum workable granite thickness: 6”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: Positioning +/- .005
Abrasive recycling system: Optional
Cutting controller: Standalone
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Rack-and-pinion
Intensifier pump: KMT (30 HP, 50 HP, 60 HP, 100 HP; all 60,000 PSI)
Features for stone fabrication: Handheld keypad interface; standard shape library; material database (all); easy access to three sides of standalone cutting tank (4000 series); low-rail gantry, lengths up to 40’ over standalone tanks (6000 series).
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: MultiCam LP, 972-929-4070.


NORTHWOOD MACHINE MANUFACTURING CO.
Stoneworks division, Louisville, Ky.

SW-127 SawJET™
SW-257 SawJET™

Price: Varies by model.
Worktable: 144” X 84” (single table, SW-127; two tables, SW-257).
Production area: 144” X 84” (all worktables)
Maximum workable granite thickness: 4”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: 0.0004”
Abrasive recycling system: Optional
Cutting controller: Standalone
Controller type: FANUC 160i CNC Machine Control
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw (all)
Intensifier pump: KMT (50 HP standard, 60 HP, 100 HP)
Features for stone fabrication: 360° ServoSaw with SmartSaw technology; Stone Fabricators Interface (SFI) with StoneScan™ barcode system; StoneLaser™ system with exclusive LaserShift™ technology; Stonevision® software; fully programmable abrasive-control system; pre-set machining profiles.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Northwood Machine Manufacturing Co., 502-267-5504; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


OMAX CORP.
Kent, Wash.

2626
2652
55100
80160
80X

Price: Depends on configuration.
Worktable: 40” X 29” (2626); 69” X 30” (2652); 126” x 55” (55100); 174” X 91” (80160, 80X).
Production area: 26” X 26” (2626); 52” X 26” (2652); 100” x 55” (55100); 168” X 80” (80160, 80X); expandable X axis in 72” increments (80X).
Multiple cutting heads: Yes (all models)
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 40,000 (20 HP pump); 50,000 (30 HP pump); 55,000 (40 HP pump). (All models)
Accuracy/tolerance: Maximum traverse velocity +/- .003” (2626, 2652, 55100, 80160); +/- .005” (80X). Repeatability +/-.0013” (2626, 2652); +/-.002” (55100, 80160); +/- .005” (80X).
Abrasive recycling system: Not offered
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: Integrated CAD/CAM system directly using DXF file types (all models).
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw
Intensifier pump: Own design; 20 HP, 30 HP, 40 HP (all models).
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: OMAX Corp., 800-838-0343.


PERFECT TECHNOLOGY
Red Oak, Texas

Price: $107,000-$165,000
Worktable: 2’ X 4’, 5’ X 10’, 7’ X 12’ (custom sizes upon request).
Maximum weight allowed: 6,000 lbs. (standard); 12,000 (heavy duty).
Production area: 2’ X 4’, 5’ X 10’, 7’ X 12’ (custom sizes upon request).
Maximum workable granite thickness: 6”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: 0.003 – 0.008”
Abrasive recycling system: Optional
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: PTC
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Linear Drive motion system
Intensifier pump: KMT (30 HP, 50 HP, 60 HP, 75 HP, 100 HP, 150 HP, 200 HP); from $43,000.
Features for stone fabrication: Stainless-steel tank; digitizing template camera; Linear Drive X-Y motion system using linear induction motor and rail-mounted inert magnet sets to eliminate mechanical components and lubrication.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Perfect Technology, 972-576-2200; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


PRAGMA S.r.l.
Casinalbo, Italy
U.S. representative: Pragma Technologies USA Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla.

Secojet 2010

Production area: 78.7” X 39.3”
Maximum workable granite thickness: 2cm
Multiple cutting heads: No
Abrasive recycling system: Not offered
Cutting controller: Onboard
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw
Intensifier pump: Own design (50 HP)
Features for stone fabrication: Single-unit construction; easily transportable; electronic management of abrasive batcher.
Contact: Pragma USA, 888-PRAGMA1; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


PRUSSIANI ENGINEERING S.a.s.
Bergamo, Italy
U.S. representative: Prussiani North America, Atlanta

Rio
Rio Plus
Rio Plus 5

Price: $239,900 (Rio); $269,000 (Rio Plus); $299.000 (Rio Plus 5).
Worktable: 181” X 95” to 264” X 142”, depending on model.
Maximum weight allowed: 5,000+ lbs.
Production area: 118” X 63” to 158” x 79”, depending on model.
Multiple cutting heads: No
Abrasive recycling system: Not offered
Cutting controller: Onboard
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw
Intensifier pump: Own design (75 HP); included with all models.
Features for stone fabrication: Stainless-steel tank; machines feature either three or five interpolated axes for production.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Prussiani North America, 404-520-6729, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


RICHEL INC.
Tallmadge, Ohio

RICHEL-D 4x4
RICHEL-D 5x8.5
RICHEL-D 6x13

Price: Under $110,000 (D 6X13, 30 HP pump and warranty)
Production area: 4’ X 4, 5’ X 8.5’, 6’ X 13’.
Maximum workable granite thickness: 10” (50 HP pump).
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 35,000 continuous (30 HP pump); 60,000 (50 HP pump).
Accuracy/tolerance: 0.005” with repeatability of 0.003”.
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: Higerman CNC
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw
Intensifier pump: Own design (30 HP-50 HP)
Features for stone fabrication: Compact footprint; bulk-feed and mini-hoppers for abrasives.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Richel Inc., 330-677-9100.


TECHNI WATERJET
Olathe, Kan.

INTEC 35
INTEC 510
INTEC 612
INTEC 1020
TECHJET1000-X2
TECHJET1500-X2
TECHJET3000-X2
TECHJET4000-X2
TECHJET5000-X2
TECHJET6000-X2

Worktable: 2’ X 4’ to 10’ X 15’
Production area: 2’ X 4’ to 10’ X 15’
Maximum workable granite thickness: 6”
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: .001”
Abrasive recycling system: Standard or optional (depending on model)
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: ANCA
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Precision stainless-steel band drive
Intensifier pump: KMT (30 HP, 50 HP, 75 HP, 100 HP)
Features for stone fabrication: Low-pressure piercing; Softec™ software; EZY-Load pneumatically operated 90° tilting arms for material loading/unloading.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Techni Waterjet, 913-397-9300.


WARDJET Inc.
Tallmadge, Ohio

Z-Series

Price: From $100,000
Worktable: 86” x 166” (Z-613); 110” x 166” (Z-813).
Maximum weight allowed: 10,000 lbs.
Production area: 72” x 145” (72” x 156” with 2 heads) (Z-613); 96” x 145” (96” x 156” with 2 heads) (Z-813).
Maximum workable granite thickness: 10” (w/50 HP intensifier pump)
Multiple cutting heads: Yes
Maximum stone-cutting PSI: 60,000
Accuracy/tolerance: +/- 0.005” (placement); +/- 0.001” (repeatability).
Abrasive recycling system: Optional
Cutting controller: Onboard
Controller type: Burny Phantom or Burny 10 LCD
Link to separate computer network: Yes
X & Y axis movement: Ball/screw
Intensifier pump: Customer-selected (50 HP model included in price of machine)
Features for stone fabrication: JETSLAB concrete cutting bed for fully supporting stone; optical tracing eye for large-format digitizing; Sign & Tile Maker module for creating TrueType™fonts and geometric cutting paths for floor medallions.
United States-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: WARDjet Inc., 330-677-9100.

This article first appeared in the November 2006 print edition of Stone Business.  ©2006 Western Business Media Inc.