CUTTING IN A TWO DIMENSIONAL PLANE
Materials that are flat and require straight cuts across the X and Y planes utilize two dimensional cutting. In most of these applications, the third axis or Z axis has the cutting head mounted to it and remains fixed in the down (cutting) position while cutting and in the raised (traversing) position when positioning. While this type of cutting is often referred to as 3-axis cutting, it is actually limited to two-dimensional space. Despite the misnomer related to 3-axis machines, these types of waterjet systems offer a wealth of potential advantages over other cutting operations, such as manual cutting and more expensive 5-axis Waterjet Technology.
3-AXIS CUTTING WITH WATER JET AND ABRASIVE JET CNC MACHINES
Waterjet Cutting delivers water that is under ultra-high pressure, usually 60k – 90k, to a cutting head. Water-only systems are ideal for basic materials such as rubber, foam, textiles, etc. that do not need an abrasive to perform the cut. These systems offer many benefits, including:
AFFORDABILITY
Water-only 3-axis cutting systems are among the least expensive waterjet machines. With a reduced up-front cost and lower cost of ownership, these machines are great entry-level pieces of equipment.
SPEED OF CUT
The high pressure water stream produced cuts materials very fast with virtually no set up. Multiple water jet cutting heads can be added to increase productivity exponentially.
EASE-OF-USE
Water-only cutting systems are often easier to program and operate than more complex machines. This means that the initial learning curve is greatly reduced when compared to other types of machines. Setting up cut programs is often less time consuming as well.
VERSATILITY
Many 3-axis cutting systems that use just water offer the flexibility to incorporate multiple cutting heads. This means that multiple cuts or parts can be completed simultaneously.
ABRASIVE JET CUTTING
Abrasive water jet cutters are very similar to standard water jet cutters in the sense they both use high pressure water to cut various products and/or materials. However, in addition to using water, abrasive cutters introduce a garnet abrasive into the water stream to increase the cutting power for harder and thicker materials. Since the garnet abrasive is inert and does not react with the materials it is used to cut, it is perfect for industrial cutting applications across a very broad range of materials including titanium, stainless steel, inconel, tool steel, aluminum block, hardened rubber, granite, marble, copper, glass, ceramics, textiles and more.
A couple of decades ago, many operations people did not even know of waterjet cutting. Today, the range of uses for high pressure water to clean, trim and cut materials has expanded broadly as new industries developed unique applications for their processing needs.
WHY WOULD I CHOOSE A WATERJET CNC MACHINE?
Yes, you have other options than Waterjet Cutting to cut your materials. So, what are the benefits of waterjet and abrasivejet cutting equipment?
BROAD RANGE OF MATERIALS
With waterjet and abrasivejet cutting, you are not limited to the type of materials you can cut. In fact, you can cut virtually any material, to virtually any size including titanium, stainless steel, inconel, tool steel, aluminum block, hardened rubber, granite, marble, copper, glass, food, ceramics, textiles and more.
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HIGH ACCURACY AND SPEED
Jet Edge cutting systems first and foremost deliver outstanding accuracy with +/- 0.001″ Linear positional accuracy over 12′ (304 mm) per axis, a +/- 0.001″ Repeatability (Bi-directional) and a 0.0004″ Backlash – maximum. Factory settings of 1000 IPM Contouring and Rapid Positioning (460 volt) is achieved due to the larger servo motors and drives. Operations requiring a high tolerance combined with high efficiency will achieve the greatest results with a Jet Edge system.
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CUSTOM CONFIGURED EQUIPMENT
Depending upon your processing needs, a unique Equipment Configuration can be engineered that incorporates into your production environment safely. Utilizing a full Test Cut and Process Review, we can help establish a basic machine configuration, and since we manufacturer our own High Pressure Pumps, we have both the knowledge and platform to customize the motion system, high pressure pumps and operating controls.
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ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Waterjet cutting is a cold cutting process with no harmful discharges that cutting with heat creates. Because of the equipment accuracy, common edge nesting can be used providing excellent sheet utilization. Additional options including abrasive removal systems that recapture any spent garnet and Closed Loop Filtration Systems that allows water to be recycled versus dumped down a drain as wastewater further enhance the environmental friendliness of waterjet cutting.
LEARN MORE:
Jet Edge will engage with your production team to learn more about your processing goals. We can validate requirements and perform test cuts to validate your concept and configure your equipment. Visit our Resource Center to learn more about waterjet cutting.
WANT MORE RANGE FROM YOUR CUTTING EQUIPMENT? WATERJET CUTTING CAN DO THAT!
High pressure water is used to clean, trim and cut across industries. Whether you are stripping paint from signs, degreasing aerospace engine components, slitting textiles or contour shape cutting in the food processing industry, Jet Edge can help.
To learn more about Jet Edge’s range of solutions, click the button below to be contacted directly.
JET EDGE X-3 MID RAIL WATERJET AND ABRASIVE JET CUTTING EQUIPMENT.
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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!
3-AXIS WATERJET AND ABRASIVE JET CNC EQUIPMENT
Waterjet and Abrasivejet cutting is utilized across a broad range of industries and due to its benefits, is one of the fast growing technologies. Jet Edge application experts can engage with your operations team to assess high pressure water as a preferred processing method.
SCHEDULE FREE APPLICATION ANALYSIS!
SEE HOW A JET EDGE WATERJET SYSTEM IS A CUT ABOVE THE REST.
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