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.

Selecting a Waterjet Fabricator
Before selecting a waterjet fabricator, a number of points should be considered.

• How experienced is the company you are considering? Have they been around for a while? Have they worked on any large and prestigious projects?

   

• Does this company work with combining different materials together? Some waterjet firms have worked primarily with a single company's tile materials. Combining stone with metal, glass and other stone materials cannot be learned overnight.

   

• Does the company have an art department? A true waterjet company serving today's diverse market needs is really a high-tech art studio. Someone that has been producing tombstones or mausoleum facades is really not ready to work on a multi-color shopping mall wall mural.

   

• How many waterjet machines does the company have? If your clients are like so many others, they want their waterjet materials cut and assembled yesterday. If the firm you are considering has only a handful of machines, your order is bound to be delayed. Select a firm that has the capability to handle the job in the time frame you require.

   

• Does the company understand installation? Just because a firm can cut and assemble does not mean it understands tile and slab installation. For example, it is not advisable to install some sorts of metals next to certain types of stone because of the finished appearance; i.e., metal causes a greenish cast to permeate stone apres. A quality waterjet fabrication firm knows all about epoxy mortars and unsanded grout, sealing processes, etc.

   

• How does the company ship its work? When you consider that thousands of dollars of materials have been intricately cut and assembled into masterpiece quality work, would you allow someone to throw that work into a box with styrofoam popcorn and ship it out? Waterjet materials should be palletized and boxed in wood crates in order to protect them.

   

• Is the company on-site at installation? A professional waterjet firm will insist on being on-site for the installation of its work. Smart customers agree to this. In many cases, the waterjet person can give intelligent pointers to the installation team.

   

• Is the company going to be around for a while? Waterjet fabrication is an ongoing, long-term project. For example, if you design a floor for an upscale jewelry retailer that has 60 stores in 12 states, you obviously won't be supplying materials for all the stores at the same time. But you do want to assure your client that he will receive his new floor designs whenever they are required. Be as certain as possible that the waterjet firm you choose will be in business in the future.

   

• Does the company understand your industry? A high-tech waterjet art and production company has to understand the infrastructure of the architectural and stone business. There are contractor/ installers, distributors, architects, interior designers, end-users that all play a major role in this game. Your waterjet fabrication source has to be a good, solid business. And it not only needs to know your industry, it is part of it.

   

• Is the company fun? An upbeat, progressive firm with an eye on the future is going to be young-at-heart, enthusiastic, relaxed and a pleasure to work with.

A waterjet creation is an art form that is appreciated for a very long time. It should not be considered simply an added expense to tile and stone designs, but rather an investment that will make the design a masterpiece.

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