scope:

This commercial item description (CID) covers computer numerical control (CNC) abrasive waterjet machines intended to accurately cut shapes from stock material, primarily metal. Abrasive waterjet machining is an industrial cutting process that pumps a mixture of high-speed, high-pressure water and an abrasive media (garnet) through a work piece, imparting little to no additional heat on the item. The cutting jet is approximately 90 percent water and 10 percent garnet by mass flow, has a diameter of approximately 0.03 inches, and ranges in pressure between 40,000 and 90,000 pounds per square inch (psi). CNC refers to a computer-controlled system able to programmatically command and precisely control all machine movements and functions.

The term "waterjet" as used in the remainder of this document refers to the system in its entirety including the cutting table, pump, controller, and any defined peripheral equipment. The waterjets identified herein shall be manufactured within the United States of America and shipped as a complete unit. The waterjets shall be capable of cutting mild steel at least 4 inches thick as well as aluminum, Plexiglas, titanium, copper, granite, wood, glass, and hardened tool steels.

CNC machining is an automated machine process used to manufacture components by selectively and precisely removing material from a workpiece. Parts manufactured via CNC machining are most practical via use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. CAD enables development and design of a part. CAM programs are used to generate manufacturing tool paths and to automate the manufacturing processes; CAM converts the CAD model into an executable code or program for machine operations.