THE 3-AXIS WATERJET CUTTING SYSTEM HAS LONG BEEN THE DEFAULT STANDARD FOR CUTTING IN A 2D PLANE.
For many general applications, a 3-axis waterjet cutting system is a great solution that fits most budgets while providing accurate and quality cuts on many material types. However, as the range of materials being cut expanded, consumers demanded more complex shapes and features that required chamfering, beveling, taper control and contouring and the limitations of 3-axis waterjet cutting systems became readily apparent.
To overcome these limitations and push cutting capabilities further, many organizations have converted over to 5-axis waterjet systems.
WHAT IS 5-AXIS WATERJET CUTTING?
The traditional motion control system has three axes of movement: X, Y, and Z. The x-axis moves a single carriage side-to-side along the cross beam/gantry. The y-axis moves the cross beam front-to-rear along the side beams. The z-axis moves a cutting head up and down on the z-axis assembly. The X, Y, and Z-axis define the work envelope of a motion control table. These systems cut in the two dimensional X, Y planes.
When two additional axes, the A and C-Axis, are incorporated into a motion system, a 5 axis cutting system is created. The a-axis tilts a cutting head to produce a bevel capable of cutting up to a 60 degree angle. The c-axis rotates the same cutting head around the z-axis in order to cut a complete shape.
THE ADVANTAGES OF 5-AXIS WATERJET CUTTING SYSTEMS
5-axis waterjet systems offer several valuable advantages that 3-axis systems can’t match, including:
COMPLEX CUTTING
5-axis waterjet systems are capable of cutting at angles up to 60 degrees. The ability to move the cutting head perpendicular to the cutting surface while rotating on an axis enables the 5-axis system to execute complex cuts like chamfers and bevels, eliminating the secondary operations required to finish a part. The range of parts that can now be cut by 5-axis systems has grown exponentially.
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY WITH PRECISION
Secondary operations that used to be completed on other pieces of equipment, each with its own setup time, can now be completed on your 5-axis system. The parts can be cut to near net shape with a very high finish quality in one operation. No more transferring and queueing parts at another machining station, drilling station or grinding station compressing lead times and reducing costs.
STREAMLINED WELDING PREPARATION
The clean and consistent cuts offered by 5-axis systems significantly reduces the amount of manual labor required to prepare the waterjet cut pieces for final welding. Parts that no longer need to be prepared for welding manually, eliminate the need for loud, time-consuming and injury prone grinding.
FLEXIBILITY
5-axis waterjet cutting systems can execute both 2D and 3D cuts in a wide range of materials. Users can switch from machining flat 2 dimensional parts in one type of material to complex 3D parts in another material without changing tooling. A broad range of side beam, gantry and tank sizes allow you to configure your motion control system to accommodate the size of the sheet or fixture that makes the best economic sense to you.
LEARN MORE:
These advantages can dramatically impact the way you do business. Read our recent blog post and visit our Case Study Library to learn more about the advantages and benefits of 5-axis waterjet cutting systems.
INCREASE THE RANGE OF CUTTING SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS
5-axis waterjet cutting systems offer the flexibility and advanced operations necessary for a wide range of applications commonly seen in many industries, most notably those involving heavy machining. As more manufacturing and fabrication businesses embrace the advantages of 5-axis waterjet technology, the broader the list of services becomes for internal and external customers alike.
THE EDGE X-5’S FEATURES AND BENEFITS DON’T END THERE.
Click here to explore the Edge X-5 in more detail.
JET EDGE IS A CUT ABOVE
UNMATCHED PRECISION & ACCURACY
Turn to Jet Edge when accuracy and speed really matter. Jet Edge Motion Systems isolate the cutting head from the catcher tank so noise and vibration do not transfer. This isolation of the tank ensures Jet Edge’s industry-leading accuracy and precision over the full life of the equipment. Applications requiring high tolerance, speed and operator efficiency will benefit greatly from the capabilities offered by the Jet Edge range of Motion Systems.
FULL LINE PROVIDER
Jet Edge is one of the few waterjet equipment companies that manufactures both its motion systems and pumps. This ensures seamless operation in the system between the pump and the motion controls and means you never get caught on service between manufacturers. Visit our accessories page to learn about the rest of the environmental systems Jet Edge makes available for your system including Abrasive Hoppers, Chillers, Abrasive Removal, Closed Loop Systems and more.
RANGE OF APPLICATIONS
Whether you are water jet cutting or abrasive cutting in 2 dimensions or 3 dimensions with a 5-axis cutting head we have the solution. Our Mid Rail and High Rail Motion systems when paired with our full range of Jet Edge Intensifier Pumps, excel across industries including steel distribution, custom manufacturing, food processing, robotic trimming, glass cutting, stone detailing, surface preparation and more. Cutting, slitting, cleaning, trimming along with other specialty applications are regularly performed with our pumps and motion systems.
PRODUCTIVITY OPTIONS
Jet Edge offers a menu of options for enhanced productivity. Lights out cutting enables machine operation without the direct supervision of a machinist. Multiple cutting heads increase productivity. Remote pump start allows pump control from the main system controls. Redundant intensifiers allow you to service your pump without bringing your system down. Load/unload systems, multiple cutting heads, heigh sensing, laser mapping, 5-axis cutting, robotic swivels, robotic integration and more allow you to design your system for the optimum productivity for your manufacturing system.
INDUSTRY LEADING CONTROL SYSTEMS
Utilizing IGEMS CAD/CAM software and an Aquavision DI fully networkable industrial PC controller, Jet Edge Motion Systems offer an enjoyable user experience. The system’s interface and commands make it easy to import or crate CAD files and programs. The optional Nesting Module provides Multi-sheet Nesting, common cutline nesting and unlike parts cutting from a single sheet to maximize material use. During operations, users are offered visibility and access to machine code via a full-featured handheld pendant.
CUSTOMIZED TECHNOLOGY & PERFORMANCE
Have a unique product or application? Jet Edge engineers and application specialists will work with you to confirm your requirements can be met with test cuts. After understanding your production goals, they will also assist in developing a custom configuration that meets your quality and productivity goals. And they will stay with you if you need additional help in implementation and system programming. Contact us to discuss your unique application!
EXPLORE THE BENEFITS OF 5-AXIS WATERJET
CUTTING SYSTEMS FOR YOURSELF
At Jet Edge, we believe in providing the information you need to make knowledgeable and confident decisions regarding your equipment purchases online, by phone and in person. Our experts are here to answer your questions and provide any additional insight you may need to determine if 5-axis waterjet cutting is right for you.
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