Waterjet Cutting

According to a findings specified in the report on the waterjet cutting machine market, the market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period (2018-2026), led by increasing industrialization and manufacturing sector in emerging regions across the globe.

Abrasive waterjet machining can be a terrific complement to more traditional machining processes.

The Kennametal APX series of ROCTEC nozzles provide 20 percent greater life than the industry-leading ROCTEC 500 waterjet series, which already significantly outperforms other conventional tungsten carbide nozzles. The APX nozzles are suitable for use in precision cutting applications where long, uninterrupted cuts or close tolerances must be maintained for long periods to maintain part integrity or minimize expensive scrap due to premature nozzle failure.

As with any industrial equipment, there are certain components of waterjet cutting systems that are expended during operation. These consumables will need regular replacement to keep the machine running efficiently. In an abrasive waterjet, garnet will account for the bulk of consumable expenditure.

A waterjet cutting system utilizes a mixture of water and abrasive (or in some cases, water only) to cut through workpieces by rapidly eroding the material. Because water plays such a significant role in the operation of these machines, it is important that the condition of the water is optimized to maximize both the efficiency of the waterjet and the longevity of its components.

OMAX's MAXIEM 1530 waterjet with multiple-axis cutting capabilities can be paired with an A-Jet cutting head. A cutting range from 0° to 60° off vertical, the A-Jet can easily cut beveled edges, angled sides, and countersinks. Advanced features in the Intelli-MAX software suite allow the A-Jet to compensate for taper and easily create complex 3D shapes.

There are relatively small, budget-friendly machines on the market that might meet your needs.

Water Jet Sweden recently introduced the FAWJ Micro Head package for shops that use the company's standard machines and want to make highly precise, narrow cuts that don't need to meet extremely tight tolerances.

Before bringing abrasive waterjetting in-house, shops should know it is a deceptively simple process that demands a great deal of thought, effort and planning to ensure a reasonably quick return on investment and increase in operational productivity.

In connection with the abrasive waterjet machining article scheduled for our March issue, I spoke with Jim Draper, owner of Rocky Mountain Waterjet, Greeley, Colo., who said when a parts manufacturer finds that waterjetting is a suitable process for a part or family of parts, the decision to outsource that work to a waterjet job shop or buy a waterjet machine for in-house production depends on the part quantity.

OMAX Corp. announced the release of the new ProtoMAX abrasive waterjet, a compact, self-installed cutting system suited for prototyping and relatively low-volume cutting of almost any material under 2" thick. The ProtoMAX brings all the versatility benefits of large abrasive waterjet cutters in a sleek and economic package that's suitable for small job shops, engineering classrooms, makerspaces and personal use.

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.