Water-jet Cutter and Fast Prototyping Methods

Maxiem 1515 Abrasive Water-jet Cutter

Access and Training

The water-jet cutter is open only to MECH or MANU students that have completed MakerSpace training. Only qualified MECH or MANU students may access this space and use the machine.

In-house training videos on how to operate our water-jet machine can be found on the Canvas course MECH Student Machine Shop Training.

Overview

The Maxiem1515 allows for the quick and easy cutting of 2-D profiles from CAD drawings. The Intelli-MAX software accepts DXF format profiles generated by most CAD software. It works extremely well for sheet metal parts and for complex shapes in 2D in materials up to ~150mm thick (50mm for steel). The kerf is approximately 0.8mm and the cutting area is 1.5m x 1.5m.

Videos on start-up procedures, cutting and troubleshooting for the Maxiem1515 can be found on the Canvas course MECH Student Machine Shop Training

Software Download and License (MECH and MANU Students and Employees Only)

  1. Request a license
  2. Self-enroll in the Canvas course MECH Student Machine Shop Training https://canvas.ubc.ca/enroll/CAWEGP
  3. In the MECH Student Machine Shop Training, find the Module Waterjet Software Download and download the ReadMe file and the .zip file. Follow the instruction in the ReadMe file.

Cost of Operating the Water-jet Cutter

This rate is for use of the machine only and applies only to actual cutting time.

  • Department-related activities: $1.00/minute
  • Service work for other UBC departments and personal use:  $1.50/minute

Department-related activities include research, MECH and MANU coursework, and MECH engineering student teams. Personal use of the water-jet by registered MECH and MANU students for self-education is permitted on a limited basis. This must not be contract or service work for a third party. Costs should be paid by the user via payment to MECH Finance in CEME 2054.

Commercial work and service work for non-UBC organizations or individuals is not permitted unless a service contract has been established via the University Industry Liason Office.

Report Water Jet Cutter Use

Use of the water-jet cutter must be reported using the Water-Jet Cutter Reporting Form.

3D Printers

MakerSpace 3D Printers 

Student-use 3D printers are located in the Print Shop room in the MakerSpace in Kaiser 1180N.

All of the printers are Bambu Lab model A1.

Printers are booked through the Mech Tech Access booking system. Print jobs may be left running unattended.

Getting Started

Information on the Bambu Lab A1 printers, including instructions on downloading correct and current printer software, can be found in the MECH Student Machine Shop Training module on Canvas.

3D Printing Service

The Support Machine Shop occasionally accepts print job submissions on a fee-for-service basis and can print parts up to 250mm x 250mm x 250mm for you. Please use the job submission form to submit .STL, .OBJ, or .STEP files for printing. Special filament requests and multi-colored parts will be manually reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis. See https://technicalservices.mech.ubc.ca/machine-shop/support-machining-services/

List of current filaments:
PLA, ABS, Polycarbonate, Nylon, and fiber-reinforced filaments

List of supported filaments:
PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, Nylon, Polycarbonate, PVA, and fiber-reinforced filaments

Other 3D Printing Services on Campus

ECE http://eng-services.ece.ubc.ca/fabrication/3d-printing/?login

UBC Rapid https://ubc-rapid.com/printing-service

Atek Bantam 24 Ton Press Brake

Here are links for the dimensions and capacities of Atek Bantam 24 Ton Press Brake.

Tooling list (under development)

Brown Boggs Connecticut Brake

This bending tool lets you make up to 90 degree bends in sheet metal parts up to 16 gauge (1.5mm) thickness. It is relatively easy to use for simple bends and requires less setup than the Atek press brake, however it is comparatively limited in bending capacity. Click here for Sheet Metal Brake Basic Operating Instructions.

SIP Weldmate 15KVA Spotwelder

This is a simple to use, foot-pedal operated welder that makes joining of steel and stainless steel sheet metal and wire stock fast and easy to do. Special electrodes are available for welding studs and nuts to sheet and plate to create strong threads. Basic operating instructions can be found here (under development). Refer to this video for more insight and inspiration.

Miller Spotwelder LMSW 52T

Click here for more information on the Miller Spotwelder LMSW 52T.