WATERJET PROCESS

(The following is a fairly detailed and technical explanation of the waterjet cutting process. To read a more broad overview about what waterjet cutting is and its many benefits, please click here.)

In taking your project from concept to completion, the design phase and the actual fabrication/cutting process.

DESIGN
The waterjet machine is directed by a highly advanced computer guidance system that takes a special toolpath file, and follows its orders to guide the machine’s motions and cutting parameters.

The file format is known as a .dxf file – providing one of these with your order is the best way to reduce your design and programming costs.

If a .dxf file is not available, our design experts can create one for you based on a sketch, hard copy, photograph, a pixel-based image, or a vector file. We will work with you to ensure your vision and specifications are met in the highest of detail and quality.

FABRICATION
Our facility uses an OMAX 55100 Abrasive Waterjet – one of the most powerful, durable, and accurate waterjet cutting devices in the world. The efficiency and accuracy offered by this industry leading machine allow us to pass savings in time and materials on to our valued clients and partners.

Below is a description of some of the main components of the system. For a full technical breakdown of the OMAX 55100, please visit this section of the OMAX website.

TILT-A-JET

The Tilt-A-Jet lets the OMAX JetMachining Center achieve virtually zero taper with most materials.

The Tilt-A-Jet can position the nozzle at an angle calculated by the control software to exactly offset the taper from the abrasive jet.

Taper doesn’t disappear – it just gets moved to the scrap part of the material, leaving your part with exactly square edges.

OPTICAL LOCATOR

The Precision Optical Locator (POL) facilitates precision JetMachining of pre-machined components, such as die stripper plates.

The POL is designed to let us accurately place parts on the OMAX 55100 for secondary machining operations. One can place the parts in any orientation, and the software will automatically rotate the tool path to match the placement of the part.

Tight integration of the digital camera and the control software makes it possible to perform secondary machining on loose parts easily

MINIJET NOZZLE

The MiniJet Nozzle has a very narrow width of cut (between 0.020″ and 0.025″) with an extremely coherent jet that produces a cut with minimum taper.

The MiniJet Nozzle generates very low cutting forces that are ideal for working on thin delicate material, but remain suitable for thicker parts and traditional metals.

SOLIDS REMOVAL SYSTEM (SRS)

The SRS increases machine uptime as waste material and spent garnet is continuously removed from the catch tank. The SRS is combined with a settling weir insuring that suspended solids are fully removed from the wastewater overflow before it enters the sewer system

BULK FEED

The Bulk Abrasive Feed Hopper holds 600 pounds of garnet meeting abrasive requirements continously. Uninterrupted machining is possible as it can be recharged on the fly while the JetMachining Centre is working.

We welcome the opportunity to show you the OMAX 55100 in action and to discuss your project in detail – visit our contact page and get in touch.