The Waterjet Catch Tank utilizes a system of cross bars and support bars to secure slats. The material being cut is placed directly on the slats of the catch tank for cutting. The material being cut may need to be secured to the slats in order to avoid movement during the cut. The most common slat material is 1/8” 12ga galvanized steel that is 3” wide. However, based on the material being cut, slat width may be increased. When cutting stainless steel or other specialty alloys, stainless steel slats may be specified to avoid any part marking. The length of the slat is determined by the size of the catch tank.
Cross bars are attached to mounting brackets in the catch tank and slotted support bars are attached to them providing a support matrix. Slats are fitted into the slots in the support bars to form the cutting surface. The slats are installed with a slight bow by installing the slats into different rows of the support bar. The tension created keeps the slats secure during the cutting operation.
Slats need to be the same height across the work surface to ensure the cutting plane is level.
STANDARD SLAT KIT VS ADJUSTABLE SLAT KIT
With a Standard Slat Kit, the cross bar attaches to the catch tank with fixed mounting holes. This limits the range of adjustment that can be made at the slat level, instead requiring the feet of the catch tank to be adjusted to level the work surface or slat height varied across the cutting surface. Standard Slat Kits are utilized when high precision cutting is not required.
The Adjustable Slat Kit allows the cross bar to be adjusted to the plane of the waterjet via a cam and bolt. The 1” of adjustment for each cross beam makes the leveling of the work surface easier and more exact. To confirm the slats are level, place a large spirit level across the table as you adjust. To confirm accuracy, use the controller and cutting head to collect height data at points across the table.
Over time, the slats that support the material on your abrasive waterjet degrade as the abrasive stream comes into contact with them. Slats with uneven wear may cause your material to rock on the slats during waterjetting. Eventually, weakened and worn slats will need to be replaced. When replacing a defective slat, inspect the support bar and cross bars for excessive wear.
Replacement slats or full replacement slat kits that include slats, cross bars, supports and mounting hardware are available from Jet Edge.
To extend the working life of your slats:
- Vary Material Placement – Waterjet operators may tend to place parts to be cut on one part of the table based on part size, proximity to the controls or just preference. Move the starting position around the table for more even wear.
- Flip Slats – The slats can be flipped so the worn surface is facing down. Confirm your table surface maintains level and the slats remain tensioned and secure.
- Rotating Slats – Worn slats may be moved to different areas of the table entirely. Inspect slat wear regularly and rotate before the slat becomes fully worn.
- Waterjet Bricks – A standard 4’ x 48” “brick” is placed on the slats and the material being cut placed across the bricks as sacrificial material. Waterjet bricks may be manufactured from a variety of materials however, most utilize high-density polyethylene (HDPE) corrugated plastic.
RELATED CATCH TANK TOPICS
- Catch Tank Bladder option
- Keep your tank clean with Abrasive Recovery
- Closed Loop Filtration System makes environmental sense
- Integrating work holding fixtures for rapid, repeatable setup
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