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From: houde@jupiter.DMI.USherb.CA (Francois Houde)
Newsgroups: comp.graphics,comp.misc,misc.wanted,sci.chem,sci.misc,sci.engr
Subject: Re: Advice and Ideas Wanted For the Precision Cutting of Paper
Summary: WaterJet cutting
Keywords: waterjet,hydroabrasive,cutting
Message-ID: <1990Dec7.211937.28504@DMI.USherb.CA>
Date: 7 Dec 90 21:19:37 GMT
References: <18061@netcom.UUCP> <4579@dnlunx.pttrnl.nl>
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Organization: Universite de Sherbrooke, Quebec
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In article <4579@dnlunx.pttrnl.nl> henk@spex1.uucp (Henk van der Griendt) writes:
>noring@netcom.UUCP (Jon Noring) writes:
>>Hello all,
>>
>>I'm currently working on a project which requires the precision
>>cutting (within 0.01 inch) of paper or paper-like material using a
>>computer to guide the cutter.  The cut shape will, in general,
>>be quite complex (i.e., it won't be a straight line but rather will
>>
>>At this time, I've only identified variations of laser cutters as the
>>way to cut the paper, but I have not yet found any that are reasonably
>>priced (i.e., less than $10,000).  Maybe combining a laser with a
>>precision x-y plotter will do the job.  Since I am not necessarily
>>restricted to paper, maybe some chemical etching process with a paper-
>>thin material might work.  The sky's the limit with innovative ideas
>>that are not, at first glance, obvious.  Of course, I would like to
>>know of any commercial equipment that meets my requirements.
>
>I don't know about the precision you ask, but I have heard it is
>possible to use high-pressure water to cut all kinds of things (even
>steel). Idea ?
>
>Henk
>
>--
>======	Henk van der Griendt			E-mail: henk@spex.nl (internet)
>======	Speech Processing EXpertise centre		spex@hlsdnl5.BITNET 
>======	SPEX,  p/a PTT RNL, kamer LE1,			tel: 31-(0)70-3322693 
>======	Postbus 421, 2260 AK  Leidschendam	the Netherlands

Yes!  WaterJet cutting exists AND it's usable practically.

A company here in Quebec uses CAD software (AutoCAD) and homebrewn software to
convert  graphic files into useable Robot Machine code.  They use either XY 
plotters or Six-axis robots (Big orange monster).

An improvement on the technique is HydroAbrasive cutting, mixing grains of 
sand with the hi-pressure flow.  It is possible to cut thru many inches 
of steel.

The name is AquaCoupe Technologies in Blainville, Quebec CANADA

=== Etienne ===
via houde@DMI.USHERB.CA