Fulcrum Expands Manufacturing with FlexJet Waterjet
By adding in-house waterjet cutting, Fulcrum enhances precision metal fabrication, shortens lead times, and increases control across the full manufacturing lifecycle.
Fulcrum Technologies continues to invest in advanced manufacturing capabilities with the addition of a FlexJet FLX-1365 abrasive waterjet cutting system at our Tualatin, Oregon, facility. This strategic equipment upgrade strengthens our vertically integrated manufacturing model. It enhances our ability to deliver high-precision components with reduced lead times for customers in the semiconductor, cleanroom, and advanced manufacturing industries.
By bringing waterjet cutting fully in-house, Fulcrum gains greater control over quality, scheduling, and repeatability, key factors in supporting complex, high-tolerance fabrication projects.
Strengthening End-to-End Manufacturing Capabilities
Fulcrum’s vertically integrated approach spans engineering and design, fabrication, machining, finishing, assembly, testing, and installation. The addition of the FlexJet waterjet complements recent investments in fiber laser cutting, press brake forming, and gantry-style CNC machining, allowing more processes to be completed under one roof.
This expanded capability directly supports the production of custom semiconductor pedestals, precision structural components, and cleanroom hardware, where dimensional accuracy and surface integrity are critical.
Why Waterjet Cutting Matters for Precision Fabrication
We selected the FlexJet FLX-1365 system for its versatility, accuracy, and ability to handle a wide range of materials and part sizes. With large X-, Y-, and Z-axis travel and a 5-axis cutting head, the system enables precise cutting of both thick plate and thin materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel.
Key benefits include:
Tight tolerances, often within ±0.002 inches
Reduced lead times by eliminating secondary manual processing
Improved part consistency and edge quality
Ability to perform complex bevels and weld prep without additional machining
These capabilities are especially valuable for components that demand flatness, accuracy, and minimal thermal distortion.
Improved Efficiency and Throughput
Bringing waterjet cutting in-house has significantly reduced cycle times for Fulcrum’s fabrication workflows. Operations that previously required hours of manual processing can now be completed in minutes, improving throughput and freeing skilled labor for higher-value tasks.
The FlexJet system also includes features that simplify maintenance and cleanup, helping ensure consistent uptime and reliable day-to-day operation in a high-mix manufacturing environment.
Supporting Fulcrum’s Vertical Integration Strategy
This investment reinforces Fulcrum’s long-term strategy to vertically integrate critical manufacturing processes. By reducing reliance on outside vendors, Fulcrum improves schedule control, shortens project timelines, and maintains tighter oversight of quality throughout the production lifecycle.
For customers, this means:
Faster turnaround times
Fewer handoffs between suppliers
Greater confidence in repeatability and performance
A single partner from concept through installation
Advancing Precision Manufacturing in Oregon
As Fulcrum Technologies continues to support the world’s most advanced manufacturing environments, investments like the FlexJet waterjet system ensure we remain equipped to meet evolving technical demands. Expanding in-house capabilities allows us to deliver precision-engineered solutions with the consistency, responsiveness, and quality our customers expect.