How to Use WazerCam

Much like 3D printers, waterjet cutters need a slicing program to convert vector files into movement instructions for a given machine. Our program of choice is WazerCam, as it's UI is intuitive, the most important settings are readily available, and it's easy to set up for new users.

Setting up for RPS use

Opening WazerCam

Open WazerCam website, WazerCam , and enter the following login information. 

Username: RPSpublic

Password: RPSpublic

Usage

File Import

Files uploaded must be in .dxf or .svg file types. Multiple files can be added at once using the "+" and "-" buttons. 

Setting Scale and Positioning

The following metrics can be adjusted within WazerCam:

Rotation: the angle which the part needs to be rotated to 

X & Y positions: The top left of the screen represents 0. All X and Y movements are from the top left of your part.  

Scale: Scale of parts can be changed by any magnitude 

Height & Width: Similar to scale, height and width can be changed independently.

(Be aware of total physical space that the waterjet will occupy on a material, taking into account the width of the cut itself (kerf) )

Materials Selection

Using the first dropdown menu, select the material category. Using the second dropdown menu, select the specific material you are cutting. If the specific material is not listed, consult an RPS studio staff member. Once category and material type are selected, input the material thickness in either millimeters or inches. 

Cutting Path Adjustments

Change the cutting path to match the design of your file.

Outside: Part will be cut outside the designated lines by a user given offset.

Centerline: Part will be cut directly on the lines of your part. 

Inside: Part will be cut inside the designated lines by a user given offset.

No Cut: Lines will not be cut

Tabs and Leads

Tabs are a connection point between your part and where it's being cut on the material. Tabs keep your part in place while being cut, and improve the overall cut accuracy by preventing your part from popping up or out of place. The default settings are that all cut paths receive a single tab, with the size based on the material, however tabs can be manually adjusted as well. 

A Lead refers to the distance that a cut will made away from the Cut Path. This is done to make sure that the pierce at the start of a cut does not remove any excess material on your part. The Lead’s location and size are designated with a blue indicator.

Cut

There are three setting selections for cut quality: Coarse, Medium, and Fine. Cut rate and cut quality have an inverse relationship, a faster Cut leads to lower quality, and better quality requires a slower Cut. The page includes cut details such as rate, time, abrasive use, cut cost, and cut extents. 

This is the final step in file preparation, and file naming and downloading are done at this stage. A virtual cut path simulation will also be available for viewing.  

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