The High-tech World of Waterjet Technology

Not everybody knows what waterjet cutting is and how it can impact the design industry. If more designers knew about it, more would embrace it. Why? Because it is one of the best ways to take design with hard surface materials, such as stone, porcelain tile and certain metals, to its furthest limits. The waterjet turns designs thought to be previously impossible into reality and also allows them to be repeated over and over again.

About two years ago, I was introduced to Keith Youngquist of Aumiller Youngquist PC, a progressive and successful hospitality architecture firm. Aumiller Youngquist had designed restaurants worldwide, many of which featured amazing designs where tile, stone, glass mosaics, terrazzo, wood and other materials were combined. At that time, Youngquist had no idea of the vast capabilities of waterjet fabrication. Now his firm is utilizing waterjet fabricjation on floors, walls and even on furniture. He is a believer.

So are some of the most high-profile companies and institutions in this country, including Disney, Hilton, Florsheim, Merrill Lynch and the new airport in Denver, CO.

What Is Waterjet Fabrication?
Basically, waterjet fabrication consists of jet streams of water coming out of a tiny nozzle at up to 55,000 psi. This pressure is so great that it can cut through solid granite up to six inches thick. The nozzle is attached to a robotic arm and driven by computer programming. What this means is that once an image is scanned and digitized, the process (when managed by a skiller worker) can cut the same programmed design repeatedly. In most cases, the cutting is so precise that grout lines are almost invisible.

In particular, good waterjet cutting allows different materials to be combined together. Imagine different shapes of marble, granite, travertine, ceramic tile, brass, stainless steel, glass and even wood all combined within one dramatic wall mural. The limits for design become limitless. These seemingly impossible creations can be perfectly done every time from any drawing. And whatever is created by the waterjet process can be duplicated.

Generally speaking, waterjet cut materials are installed via the exact same procedures used to install ceramic tile, resilient tile or natural stone. The waterjet fabricator will supply the installation company with an "install by numbers" grid. All cut pieces will be numbered on the back. A good contractor should have no problem whatsoever relative to this installation. And, in some cases, waterjet designs are cut and assembled into standard-sized tiles (such as 12- by 12-foot). This makes it even easier for the contractor to install the project.

A few limitations do exist, however. Some materials cut better than others; some are not recommended. An experienced waterjet fabrication company will advise you relative to what you should and shouldn't use. And waterjet is not a three-dimensional process. Current technology is only formulated to cut on flat surfaces.

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