b'Dust, overspray and other factors to consider when bringing abrasive waterjetting in-house.By Russ WillcuttW hen considering bringing an out-sourcedprocessorservicein-house,theprimaryconcernsinvolve whether the amount of work justifies the capital investment and the associated op-erating costs. Other factors include main-tenance, necessary peripheral devices, specialized training and the configuration of the available workspace. Taking these factors into account is es-pecially important when contemplating bringing abrasive waterjet machining in-house. Waterjetting is a deceptively sim-ple process that demands a great deal of thought, effort and planning to ensure a reasonably quick return on investment and increase operational productivity.Waterjet professionals can help guide machine shop owners who are consider-ing whether to bring the process in-house or continue to outsource it.Cut Parts, Not CornersJim Draper, president of Rocky Moun-tain Waterjet and Laser LLC, Greeley, Fitz-Thors Engineering Colo., has had a front-row seat from which The Jet-Master 510 at Fitz-Thors Engineering is usedto watch the growth of his clients in the primarily in-house to cut parts for the specialty equipment it builds. Abrasive waterjet machining can be a dirty job, soautomotive, aerospace, medical and de-this machine has been outfitted with a special cup on thefense markets. As these companies ex-cutting head to minimize overspray. panded, some brought their waterjet 62MARCH 2018Waterjet.indd 62 2/14/18 10:17 AM'