Author Archives: Steve Milne

WHAT IS IGEMS? 5-AXIS WATER JET CUTTING SOFTWARE

Water jet cutting software is what unlocks the full potential of your machine. It begins by importing a CAD design or 3D model and then moves into cut planning, where you begin to unleash its real power. During this process, you define key parameters, such as material type, thickness, kerf width, and cut paths. You also specify piercing conditions and determine whether the cut is straight, beveled, or follows a more complex contour. Just as important, the software helps optimize material usage, minimizing waste to provide a critical advantage as material costs continue to rise.

UNDERSTANDING NESTING IN WATER JET CUTTING APPLICATIONS

In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, maximizing the value of every sheet of stock material is crucial. That’s where nesting comes in. In water jet cutting applications, nesting utilizes material layout optimization to maximize stock use. Less material goes into the scrap bin, and more profit goes to the bottom line.

This isn’t just a clever layout strategy; it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce cost per part and streamline cutting production. While nesting can be done manually, automated nesting software significantly improves speed, accuracy, and repeatability, especially when integrated with high-precision cutting systems, such as water jets from Jet Edge. In fact, with the thin-kerf capability, thin stock stacking, and the ability to cut any material you can imagine, water jets are the ideal way to integrate nesting into your cutting and machining operations.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WATER-ONLY ORIFICE FOR YOUR WATER JET MACHINE

Water jets are among the most versatile tools in modern manufacturing, offering precision cutting for an extensive range of materials. One minute, you can cut stainless steel with 60-degree bevels and then quickly change over to cutting glass, plastic, foam, composites, and a host of other materials using the water-only cutting capability of your tool. In fact, by utilizing a Spreader Bar with a 3-axis high rail system, up to 12 abrasive and / or water-only cutting heads can be mixed for maximum productivity. Talk about flexibility!

WATER JET CUTTER SAFETY PART 2: THE HIGH-PRESSURE INTENSIFIER PUMP

Workplace safety focuses on identifying, preventing, and eliminating hazards that cause accidents or negatively impact worker health. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), part of the United States Department of Labor, sets safety standards that organizations must satisfy. Adhering to these standards is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ORIFICE AND NOZZLE COMBINATION FOR ABRASIVE CUTTING YOUR WATER JET MACHINE

For abrasive water jet cutting, selecting the right orifice and nozzle combination is critical to process optimization. These will allow one to find the correct balance of edge finish, cutting speed, cutting accuracy while minimizing scrap loss – all of which have an impact on your bottom line. Let’s explore.

WATER JET SYSTEM PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCERS PART 3: MULTIPLY PRODUCTIVITY WITH HIGH-RAIL SPREADER BARS

Have you ever daydreamed about the added efficiency an extra set of hands could bring to your production operations? The good news is that when it comes to water jet cutting tools, high-rail systems equipped with spreader bars give you that coveted extra set of hands—and more! Let’s explore how you can multiply your water jet cutting productivity with this system combination.

DECIDING BETWEEN BUYING A WATER JET SYSTEM AND OUTSOURCING YOUR METAL CUTTING

The decision to add a water jet cutting system demands a comprehensive evaluation process. So, let’s look at what goes into deciding between buying a water jet system and outsourcing metal cutting.

A GUIDE TO WATER JET SYSTEM CONSUMABLES

If you’re reading this blog post, it’s likely that you’re already aware of the versatility of a water jet cutting system in a machining operation. These tools can cut almost any material you or your clients require with unmatched precision and first-cut edge quality. Understanding how the type and quality of your consumables influence cutting costs and component life is crucial for making informed decisions and optimizing your operations.

ALL ABOUT CUTTING TITANIUM WITH WATER JET CUTTING MACHINES

Titanium can be combined (alloyed) with other elements to produce strong, lightweight alloys for many industries including aerospace, military, industrial processes, automotive, agriculture, medical, orthopedic, and more. Titanium alloys have excellent strength to weight ratios, high melting points, and are extremely resistant to nearly all forms of corrosion. Although titanium is not as hard as some grades of heat-treated steel, it is a very difficult metal to machine resulting in high tooling costs with a risk of scrap.

OEM VS AFTERMARKET PARTS FOR YOUR WATERJET MACHINE: A COMPREHENSIVE DECISION GUIDE

Water jet cutting systems are high-precision tools engineered to produce the most complex cuts with the best first-cut edge finish in the largest number of materials. The old saying, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” definitely describes water jets. Yet, the quality and characteristics of each part impact how much greater the sum will be. Change the quality of a part, and the sum (performance in cutting systems) changes.