This book on waterjet technology builds on the previous book by the author, Versatility of Waterjet Technology, and explores the rich and fascinating history of the field. From early developments to its emergence as a precision machining powerhouse the book chronicles key milestones, people, and innovations that shaped waterjet technology.
From Raw Cutting Toward Precision Machining builds on the author’s earlier book,
Versatility of Waterjet Technology, and chronicles the evolution of waterjet machining—from crude cutting to a high-precision manufacturing process. Spanning five decades of innovation, it highlights the people, ideas, and milestones that shaped this versatile technology. At its core, the book honors Dr John Olsen, whose pioneering work in high-pressure waterjets laid the foundation for transformative advances. Several chapters explore his pivotal role, including the development of compact, affordable systems for precision and micro-machining. The Pacific Northwest’s leadership in high-pressure hardware, intelligent control software, and abrasive waterjet systems is also featured prominently. In addition to technical breakthroughs, the book examines how marketing, education, and collaboration helped transform waterjets from niche equipment into essential global manufacturing tools. Blending historical insight, technical depth, and personal reflection, this is essential reading for engineers, educators, and anyone curious about the evolution of the manufacturing technology.
PART I LEGACY OF THE FATHER OF WATERJET TECHNOLOGY
1. OMAX, MIT, and University Synergy
2. The Legacy of Dr. John Olsen, Father of Waterjet Technology
3. Working with Dr. John Olsen and the Evolution of High-Pressure Technology
PART II EVOLUTION OF WATERJET TECHNOLOGY
4. Early Developments in Waterjet Technical Growth
5. Early Development of AWJ Technology
6. Evolution of Waterjet Technology from Raw Cutting to Precision Machining
7. Short History of Abrasive Waterjet Milling
8. Modeling of Abrasive Waterjet Cutting Performance
9. Particle Velocity Measurement Methods in Abrasive Water Jets
10. Abrasive Waterjet and Abrasive Slurry Jet Milling of Microfeatures in
Ductile and Brittle Materials
PART III WATERJET EDUCATION
11. Waterjet Education Programs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
12. Waterjet Education Programs at the University of British Columbia
13. Academia and the Growth of Waterjet Technology
14. The Creative Use of Waterjet in Education at the University of
Sunderland
15. The Art of Waterjet Cutting
16. Waterjet Education in Japan: History, New Applications, and University
Education
17. Waterjet Education Programs in K-9 through K-14 Schools
Peter H.-T. Liu retired from OMAX Corporation in 2022. His specialty is experimental fluid dynamics. He earned his PhD from Colorado State University and held a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Center for Atmospheric Research before joining Flow Industries, where he specialized in qualitative and quantitative flow visualization in both laboratory and field settings. He later joined OMAX, where he focused on developing precision and micro-waterjet systems. Over his 50-year career, he collaborated with various institutions including PNNL, NIST, MIT, the University of Washington, Toronto Metropolitan University, National Taiwan University, and National Cheng Kung University. He has authored 2 books and over 90 technical publications and holds 11 U.S. and European patents.