From Scorched Edges to Waterjet Precision: Hsing Wu Commercial Design × FLUX
On August 15, 2025, Hsing Wu University’s Department of Commercial Design and Jing-Yeu International Ltd. introduced a FLUX waterjet cutter combining innovation and precision. In our classrooms, equipment limitations often constrain students more than a lack of ideas. Previously, laser cutting was limited to nonmetallic materials such as acrylic and wood. Designs requiring harder or thicker materials, or the texture and sheen of metal, had to be abandoned. Heat could also scorch or distort edges, reducing the quality of the work. The waterjet changes this by cutting metal, glass, ceramics and composite materials in a process that does not generate high heat or odors, leaving smooth surfaces without further finishing. For design students, it is more than another tool: it helps them realize their ideas fully.
Before Waterjet Cutting: Burning Smells, Limits and Compromises
Previously, we mainly used laser cutters. They were fast and convenient and opened possibilities for commercial design education, but practical problems persisted. Acrylic, wood and leather used for student models were all affected by heat. Thicker acrylic could blacken or distort, charred wood edges produced strong odors, and extraction equipment required regular maintenance.
At thicknesses above 10 mm, the laser was scarcely effective. Forcing a cut took time, while charred surfaces could compromise structural strength. As a thermal process, laser cutting also concentrated stress at edges, potentially causing microcracks over prolonged storage. This was a serious problem for commercial design work requiring structural stability and refined aesthetics.
Energy use and environmental concerns added to these difficulties. High-power laser operation consumed significant electricity and produced traces of smoke and chemical gases. After cutting, students would shake their heads and say, “Teacher, the edges are burnt again.” The issue was not only the material, but a limitation in the learning environment.
A waterjet-cut work A waterjet-cut work A waterjet-cut work
When Water Replaces Fire: Introducing the FLUX Waterjet.
The FLUX waterjet uses high-pressure water mixed with fine abrasive to separate material through cold cutting rather than heat. Cuts avoid scorching and distortion, and structures are not affected by high temperatures.
Although compact, the machine has professional functions including precise positioning, fully automatic pressure control, quick cutting-head changes and intelligent water recycling, making it manageable even in limited classroom space.
For our teaching environment, this design matters greatly. It saves space while offering safety, cleanliness and low energy use. We no longer have to endure burning smells or worry about thick materials, and the workspace remains clean after use. It allows us to focus on creating.
Copyright © Jing-Yeu International. All rights reserved. Copyright © Jing-Yeu International. All rights reserved. Copyright © Jing-Yeu International. All rights reserved.
Beyond Thickness and Materials: The Versatility of Waterjet Cutting
One of the FLUX waterjet’s most striking qualities is that it has virtually no thickness restriction. From 1 mm leather to 40 mm wood or glass, and even metal and stone, it handles a wide range. Previously limited to acrylic and wood, we can now work with many more media.
Its consumables are replaceable abrasive and water, offering low costs and environmental advantages. Unlike a laser machine, it does not require regular replacement of laser tubes and optical lenses. Maintenance is also simpler, involving periodic tank-filter replacement and abrasive recovery.
For design students, this opens more room for experimentation, including metal structures joined to wood or combinations of glass and leather—approaches that had been nearly impossible with previous thermal cutting. Creative boundaries expand.
Precision Cutting Demonstration: Fine Waterjet Craftsmanship
For the demonstration, the instructor selected metal and used the high-pressure water stream to trace a bottle-opener shape. The resulting edges were smooth and detailed, without obvious burrs, demonstrating precision and stability.
In addition to metal, the equipment works with glass, ceramics, stone, plastics and composites, expanding creative possibilities in courses. From design to finished work, students can observe the precision of fabrication and understand the differences and possibilities of cutting various materials.
The piece cut during the demonstration The piece cut during the demonstration
An Intuitive Web Interface: Six Steps to Get Started
The waterjet uses a web-based interface accessible on Windows or macOS without platform restrictions. The workflow takes six steps, from uploading a design and selecting material thickness to setting cutting speed and starting production, with clear instructions and diagrams at every stage. Students can follow the on-screen guidance without complicated settings or specialist experience. This simplifies operation and helps teachers guide whole-class practical work toward the goal of making operation accessible to everyone.
From Secondary School to University: Connecting Education with Industry
Waterjet cutting can significantly influence both secondary-school multimedia courses and university design programs.
In courses combining computing and design, students can use 3D modeling, AI-assisted design and CAD software, then turn their designs into physical models. They progress from illustrating concepts to making finished work.
Secondary and vocational students gain early exposure to professional processes and how the design industry operates. University design students can explore mixed materials, industrial-design models and exhibition installations.
Introducing waterjet cutting reduces the distance between digital design and physical fabrication and brings classroom practice closer to industry.
Hsing Wu Commercial Design’s Choice: Expanding Creative Possibilities
Before the waterjet arrived, material restrictions often prevented students from realizing ideas.
“The laser cannot cut this thickness.”
“This edge will burn; we need to change the material.”
These limitations forced many imaginative works to compromise.
Commercial design requires structure, fabrication methods and creative thinking as well as appearance.
The FLUX waterjet lets us move beyond having to use only certain materials.
Students can boldly experiment with mixed materials in class and develop more varied exhibition work.
They learn that design involves fabrication and practice as well as visual composition.
From Scorched Edges to Waterjet Precision: Hsing Wu Commercial Design × FLUX
The FLUX waterjet is both equipment and an extension of design education, teaching respect for materials and sustainable creation while connecting education with industry. Across secondary, vocational and higher education, equipment like this is gradually changing learning.
For Hsing Wu University’s Department of Commercial Design, this is a new beginning. Ideas can flow freely, no longer confined by thickness or the smell of burning.
#FromScorchedEdgesToWaterjetPrecision: Hsing Wu Commercial Design × FLUX
To learn more, call Jing-Yeu International or contact us through our official LINE account. 🙌
👇 Add our official LINE account for the latest events and teaching resources. 👇
👇 LINE ID: @244abdrd. You can also scan the QR code below! 👇
Comments