If you have a sophisticated mechanical design for your robot, you may have considered having the parts made by CNC waterjet. But, as with any tool, there are some limitations to this approach. I created thse articles to explain the limitations of this technology and hopefully make it easier to get the custom parts you need from waterjet cutting
BTW, is this kind of stuff
BTW, is this kind of stuff useful to people here? I want to share some of the tips I’ve picked up over the years in building robots, but don’t want to be egregiously self-promotional.
Very Helpful
Certainly! Many parts for robots can be cut using a waterjet so it’s good to know more about the technology, including its limitations. Thanks for sharing! Note that only a small number of people will refer to this article at any given time, but it will be indexed in searches.
Waterjets
I found the article very informative and well written. Like most robot builders I depend on vendors for parts and tutorials. It is also applicable to people in R&D work situations where different material cutting techniques need to be investigated. If it were at all offensive I would have hit the spam button. Thanks for sharing.
Custom Waterjet Cut Gears
Have you ever needed custom spur gears for your robot? Check out these articles on creating custom gears with waterjet cutting:
**Rivet nuts for threads in thin materials **
Ever needed threads in parts waterjet cut from thin sheet? Try using rivet nuts.
Learn the Advantages of Waterjet Cutting from Carl Olsen
Find out about the advantages of waterjet cutting from waterjet.org’s Carl Olsen.
Waterjet cutting: How it works.
If you want a brief overview of how waterjet cutting works to make custom parts from metal, plastic, and other materials, see this page: https://www.bigbluesaw.com/faqs/parts/how-does-waterjet-cutting-work.html
Step by step Instructables waterjet cut & laser cut parts
If you’re ready to make robots using waterjet cut or laser cut parts, check out this list of our favorite Instructables. These include step-by-step instructions from champion robot builder Mike Jeffries.
Upcoming sale on custom parts
BTW, if you haven’t tried out our waterjet cutting services, April 11-12 is a great time to do so. We’re having a sale on 1/4" aluminum parts cut from YOUR designs.
Lettering
You want to have your words preserved in aluminum alloy or stainless steel? Perhaps to identify the model number of your robot? Read about fonts and bridging with waterjet cutting before you make a big mistake: https://www.bigbluesaw.com/big-blue-saw-blog/general-updates/the-secrets-to-waterjet-cut-lettering.html
Removing inside corners.
The waterjet can't cut a perfectly sharp inside corner because the cutting stream is round. Learn how to eliminate the material in the corner by changing the shape of your design.
https://www.bigbluesaw.com/big-blue-saw-blog/general-updates/clearing-inside-corners-with-finn-on-waterjet-cut-parts.html
