Clear cut: waterjet cutting

Flow

Flow International Corp. has released Dynamic Waterjet XD, fast and accurate bevelling for 3D and 2D waterjet cutting technology. Now the benefits of Dynamic Waterjet are available for complex multi-dimensional cutting.

By incorporating SmartStream technology, the Dynamic Waterjet mathematical models’ cut speed is two to four times faster than conventional abrasive waterjets while producing parts with far higher precision.

The time to program and complete multi-dimension parts has also been shortened. By developing FlowXpert software, parts are easily programmed with its intuitive, graphical user interface.“Having the Dynamic XD has really set us apart from other shops. We now have capabilities that nobody else has,” says Josh Kubik, co-owner of Baytown Ace Machine Co. “There is a waterjet shop near here that we had used …but what took them 1 hour and 45 minutes just takes us 45 minutes.”

www.FlowWaterjet.com

Jet Edge

Capable of producing complex parts out of virtually any material, the Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry waterjet cutting machine features an exposed tank that accommodates overhead loading. It comes standard with one abrasive jet cutting head and a second cutting head can be added to increase productivity. Optional mirroring capabilities make it possible to cut part cycle time in half.

The Mid Rail Gantry is ball-screw driven for higher accuracy. Its sturdy heavy-wall tubular steel construction eliminates vibration and increases longevity. The machine uses an industrial PC controller and can be configured so that all three axes are fully programmable (Z optional). It also features direct-couple AC brushless digital servo motors and single or double carriages. Critical bearing components are protected with heavy metal covers with brush seals and positive air pressure. The waterjet machine is available in several sizes:

5 ft x5 ft (1.5 m x 1.5 m)

5 ft x 13 ft (1.5 m x 3.9 m)

8 ft x 5 ft ( 2.4 m x 1.5 m)

8 ft x 13 ft (2.4 m x 3.9 m)

13 ft x 13 ft (3.9 m x 3.9 m)

21 ft x 5 ft (6.4 m x 1.5 m)

21 ft x 13 ft (6.4 x 3.9 m)

24 ft x 13 ft (7.3 m x 3.9 m)

www.jetedge.com

Mitsubishi

The new Suprema DX612 waterjet cutting machine from Mitsubishi is now constructed with an independent frame/tank design which separates the machine frame, ways and drive system from the work tank so machining accuracy is not affected by large or heavy workpieces. The four-sided stainless steel construction of the work tank with a full 10 mm thick steel bottom provides years of low maintenance service, claims the company.

The gantry style movement system travels the extra rigid box constructed X axis bridge on a set of LM guides driven by dual Mitsubishi Brushless AC servo motors and high-pitch 40 mm double anchored ball screws for unmatched positioning accuracy. A 20 in. “I” beam construction provides frame stability with a machined top surface that mounts the LM guides for the X axis bridge. High speed rapid positioning of up to 787 ipm, made possible through the low backlash planetary gearbox, reduces positioning time between cutting profiles.

Laser compensation of all machine axes provides a high degree of positioning accuracy. Machine accuracy with compensation is within ±0.002 in. per 36 in. length.

An auto-lubrication system provides automatic way and ball screw greasing/self cleaning that takes the hand work out of machine lubrication. Table slat registration rails can be adjusted to provide a flat mounting surface for the galvanized table slats, providing a flat working surface.

Dual layer protection ensures proper focus tube height and collision detection. A programmable touch probe checks workpiece height in several different modes, from manual to continuous, maintaining the proper focus tube to workpiece distance. The collision detection ring stops all machine movement in X, Y, and Z, should a collision occur preventing any damage.

Four axis intelligent taper control (ITC) provides full 360º taper control by adding a one or two degree mechanical tilt to the cutting head, compensating for the jet getting wider as it exits the focus tube. This provides improved part wall straightness of ±0.001” per 1⁄2” of workpiece thickness.  The software automatically generates the ITC program by just one click.

The machine is equipped with a KMT high pessure intensifier pump, the S-50, a 50 hp pump providing 60,000 psi of water traveling up to MACH 2 with 1.09 gpm of water consumption through a maximum orifice size of 0.013 in.

An abrasive removal system uses a 300 gpm water circulating system in the work tank that suspends the exhausted abrasive and pumping it through a cyclone system that separates the water and returns it to the tank. The used abrasive is collected in a filter bag lined hopper for easy disposal.

www.mitsubishi-world.com

MultiCam

The MultiCam 3000 series waterjet cutting systems features a user friendly interface and a KMT Intensifier pump. The machines are affordable, easy-to-use, production cutting solutions for manufacturers that want the ability to cut a wide variety of materials. The use of high pressure waterjet machining also offers unique advantages over other cutting technologies allowing the user

to cut highly accurate parts with excellent finish and no heat affected edge.

All 3000 series waterjet machining systems are manufactured using high tolerance, large scale CNC metalworking machines and are verified with certified laser calibration equipment.

www.multicam.com

OMAX

OMAX Corp.’s new EnduroMax direct drive waterjet pump provides double the operating life of previous pumps, says the company, and allows faster part processing, lower operating costs and easier maintenance.

The new pump maximizes machine uptime with its 1,000-hour operating range between required pump rebuilds when run at 55,000 psi (3,800 bar). However, the new pump can also run continuously at 60,000 psi (4,100 bar). OMAX achieved increased pump operating life by significantly upgrading the design of the seals in the EnduroMax. Seals are the elements of a pump that wear out the quickest, forcing shops to rebuild pumps more frequently. By improving the design of the seals, the pump’s operating life increases and maintenance time is reduced.

OMAX built the EnduroMax pump to run much more efficiently as compared with intensifier pump designs. The pump operates at 85 per cent efficiency, as opposed to the 60 to 70 per cent range of intensifier pumps. The pump also delivers more horsepower to the nozzle, while using less electricity than intensifier pumps.

The combination of 60,000 psi operation and 85 per cent efficiency allows OMAX machines using the new pump to process parts faster. All models deliver 60,000 psi and are offered in various horsepower ratings. The available models are the 3060 (30 hp), 4060 (40 hp), and 5060 (50 hp).

www.omax.com

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