Look Ahead: Small advances in waterjet

Omax Corp. developed the MicroMax JetMachining Center with help from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), which awarded the company a Small Business Innovation Research grant. 

The investment has paid off. 

Earlier this year, Omax received the prestigious Tibbetts Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration for outstanding technological innovation in the area of microabrasive waterjet technology.

MicroMax accurately cuts a range of materials. All images courtesy of Omax.

The recognition is due to the second-generation version of MicroMax being capable of a positioning accuracy of less than 5µm (0.0001")—smaller than the diameter of a red blood cell—while retaining all the advantages of abrasive waterjet machining, the company reports.

Contributing to the accuracy of MicroMax is a proprietary linear-traction drive system that incorporates optical encoders. Protective bellows seal all precision components inside the machine. The cutting table is mounted on a set of vibration isolators to minimize transmission of vibration from the floor. A tank cooling package controls water temperature to within a couple of degrees, helping prevent any dimensional changes in the material as it’s machined.

This titanium mesh cage was produced in the MicroMax JetMachining Center.

At least as important is the nozzle, however. According to Omax Senior Scientist Peter Liu, there were challenges in downsizing the abrasive waterjet nozzle, specifically the area where the abrasive garnet is mixed with water before being released through an orifice. He acknowledged that there had been “difficulty in fabricating with good circularity and sufficiently large aspect ratios” with nozzle mixing tubes that had IDs under 0.010" (0.254mm). He added that the company has a nozzle in development that features a mixing tube with an ID of 0.008" (0.203mm). 

NSF, where’s your checkbook?

For more information about Omax Corp., Kent, Wash., visit www.omax.com or call (800) 838-0343.