WardJet GCM

Specs verified 2026-10-06 · wardjet.com Updated 2026-10-06

Image: wardjet.com, WardJet

Key Specifications

Accuracy

± 0.003" per axis (± 0.08 mm per axis)

Repeatability

± 0.001" per axis (± 0.03 mm per axis)

footprint

40.8' x 24.9' (12.45 m x 7.59 m)

cutting area one carriage

30' x 14.1' (9.14 m x 4.29 m)

cutting area two carriages

30' x 14.1' (9.14 m x 4.29 m)

software

Ikuhlu, WARDCAM, IGEMS

How much does the WardJet GCM cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the WardJet GCM that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.

Overview

The WARDJet GCM combines a 5-axis waterjet and a 5-axis milling spindle on one large gantry. It carries an Infini Winder 5-Axis waterjet head and a 5-Axis 24,000 RPM milling head for composite milling, over a cutting area of 30' x 14.1' (9.14 m x 4.29 m).

The pairing is aimed at composite panels and skins. Waterjet trims the outline without heat, and the spindle then machines the features a jet cannot leave clean: pockets, countersinks, blind holes. WARDJet's argument is that doing both in one setup removes the move to a second machine, which protects the accuracy between trimmed edges and milled features and saves the second setup.

Z travel is what makes it a machine for formed parts. WARDJet states 5 feet of Z-Axis travel and says the GCM can cut over the water table or over a part standing on the ground, so a tool or fixture too tall for the tank can be rolled in beside it.

The X and Y axes use a helical rack and split pinion and Z is ball screw driven. Positional accuracy is ± 0.003" per axis (± 0.08 mm per axis) and repeatability ± 0.001" per axis (± 0.03 mm per axis). Up to 4 Z-carriages are listed. The footprint is 40.8' x 24.9' (12.45 m x 7.59 m), and the abrasive hopper is 2200 lb pressurized. WARDJet calls it one of the largest waterjets it has built.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Floor Space Required	40.8' x 24.9' (12.45 m x 7.59 m)
Cutting Area One Carriage	30' x 14.1' (9.14 m x 4.29 m)
Cutting Area Two Carriages	30' x 14.1' (9.14 m x 4.29 m)
Software	Ikuhlu, WARDCAM, IGEMS
Power Requirement Gantry Only	230V, 30 amps, 3 Phase
Air Requirement	80 psi, 2 cfm (5.52 bar, 0.06 cmm)
Max Z Carriages	4
Bulk Feed Hopper	2200 lb pressurized
Drive Mechanism	Helical rack and split pinion (X & Y). Ball screw driven Z.
Positioning Accuracy	± 0.003" per axis (± 0.08 mm per axis)
Repeatability	± 0.001" per axis (± 0.03 mm per axis)
Speed	0.01 in/min - 500 in/min based on 230 volts (0.25 mm/min - 12700 mm/min based on 230 volts)

Specifications sourced from wardjet.com — verified 2026-10-06

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Infini Winder 5-Axis waterjet head and a 5-Axis 24,000 RPM milling head on the same gantry
5 feet of Z-Axis travel for tall parts
Can cut over the water table or over a part on the ground
30' x 14.1' (9.14 m x 4.29 m) cutting area at ± 0.003" per axis (± 0.08 mm per axis)
2200 lb pressurized bulk feed hopper

Limitations

Footprint of 40.8' x 24.9' (12.45 m x 7.59 m)
The milling head is described for composite milling, not for metal cutting
Speed range ends at 500 in/min
No spindle power, taper or tool-change data is published

Best For

Trimming and milling large composite parts in one setup Tall formed parts and tooling that need 5 feet of Z travel Large composite panels up to 30' long

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What makes the GCM different from a standard waterjet?

It has two 5-axis tools. WARDJet states that the GCM features both an Infini Winder 5-Axis head and a 5-Axis 24,000 RPM milling head for composite milling, so composites can be processed without moving parts to a separate machine for milling.

02 How much Z travel does the GCM have?

WARDJet states that the GCM has 5 feet of Z-Axis travel and is able to cut over the water table or over a part on the ground. The spec table itself has no Z row; the Z axis is listed as ball screw driven.

03 What is the GCM's cutting area?

30' x 14.1' (9.14 m x 4.29 m). The table gives the same figure for one carriage and for two. The footprint of the machine is 40.8' x 24.9' (12.45 m x 7.59 m).

04 How accurate is the GCM?

Linear positional accuracy is ± 0.003" per axis (± 0.08 mm per axis) and repeatability is ± 0.001" per axis (± 0.03 mm per axis). X and Y are driven by a helical rack and split pinion.