Advanced Abrasive Waterjet Cutting Operations

In Booth S-1974, Jet Edge, Inc. (St. Michael, MN), a leading manufacturer of ultra-high pressure waterjet technology, will showcase its latest precision waterjets and perform live 5-axis abrasive waterjet cutting demonstrations on its X-Stream-powered EDGE X-5® 5-axis waterjet with Aquavision® Di control and Closed Loop Filtration System. The new low-cost BOSS-CUTTER™ 3-axis waterjet system will also be on hand, along with the new 55,000 psi (3,800 bar), 30 hp iP60-30 waterjet intensifier pump and the premiere X-Stream pressure intensifier pumps.

The EDGE X-5® 5-axis waterjet cuts precise taper-free parts from virtually any material. The system is capable of cutting sophisticated 3D parts such as impellers and bevels up to 50 deg. This workhorse waterjet is designed to provide years of dependable service in harsh industrial environments with a sturdy design that separates the motion system from the catcher tank, eliminating vibration and ensuring maximum part quality. The ball screw-driven system features direct-couple AC brushless digital servo motors, providing the best repeatability in the industry at ±.001 in.

Critical bearing components are protected with heavy metal covers with brush seals and positive air pressure. Productivity enhancing options include a second cutting head with mirror cutting capabilities, a pneumatic drill for pre-piercing materials that are prone to delamination, automatic submerged or above-water cutting capabilities, and a proprietary laser plate mapping feature that allows precise nozzle-to-plate standoff.

https://youtu.be/IGWC55EFWC4

The EDGE X-5 features the Aquavision Di industrial PC that gives operators the freedom to fine-tune programs from any CAD/CAM/nesting software, utilizing advanced HMI features and/or standard G&M code. The EDGE X-5 waterjet machine is available in many sizes, from 5 ft x 5 ft (1,500 mm x 1,500 mm) to 24 ft x 13 ft (7,300 mm x 3,900 mm).

The BOSS-CUTTER 3-axis waterjet system cuts parts up to 6 in thick from virtually any material in a work envelope of 59 in x 59 in (1,500 mm x 1,500 mm) and can accommodate sheet sizes up to 67 in x 67 in with a minimum of 5/16 in clearance all the way around. The system comes standard with a 30 hp ECO-JET direct-drive pump but can be upgraded to any Jet Edge 55,000 psi (3,800 bar) waterjet pumps. Both direct-drive pumps or hydraulic intensifier pumps are offered and available in 30 hp to 280 hp models. The BOSS-CUTTER is controlled with a Windows® PC and includes FlashCut Pro-Series Stepper Controller, FlashCutCNC software and IGEMS path generation software.

The 100 hp (75 kW) X-Stream® xP90-100 waterjet intensifier pump supports 75 ksi (5,200 bar) continuous operating pressure. The X-Stream achieves much faster cutting speeds and drastically lowers operating costs compared to traditional 60 ksi (4,100 bar) waterjet pumps, enabling shops to increase productivity and reduce part costs. The X-Stream produces 50 percent more pressure than a 60 ksi (4,100 bar) intensifier pump, resulting in a 40 percent to 50 percent increase in productivity for many materials. Compared to a 60 ksi (4,100 bar) pump, typical operating pressures of 75 ksi (5,200 bar) use 30 percent less water, 30 percent less power, and up to 50 percent less abrasive, resulting in a 40 percent reduction in operating costs. The xP90-100 is capable of producing flow rates of 1.45 gpm (5.49 L/m) and supports up to a .017 in (.43 mm) orifice. Fittings and tubing are rated for 100 ksi (6,900 bar). The X-Stream is backed by nearly ten years of extensive research and development in hyper-pressure technology, and is also available in a 50 hp (37 kW) model.

The new iP60-30 60,000 psi (4,100 bar), 30 hp (22 kW) hydraulic waterjet intensifier pump is designed for shops that desire the reliability of a hydraulic intensifier pump, but have limited power. The iP60-30 draws only 37 full load amps at 460 VAC (60 Hz) or 74 full load amps at 230 VAC (60 Hz). It is capable of producing 0.6 gpm (2.3 L/m) of ultra-high pressure water at a continuous operating pressure of 55,000 psi (3,800 bar).  Economically priced and easy to maintain, the iP60-30 is ideally suited for rural shops, R&D labs, schools, and small budget-conscious waterjet cutting shops. The iP60-30 features a reliable tie-rod design that eliminates threads on the high pressure cylinders, end caps, and hydraulic cylinders to reduce the likelihood of cracking and increases component life. Matched metal components prevent galling of hydraulic components. The iP60-30 includes a hydraulic accumulator to provide smoother hydraulic pressure, reduce spikes and prolong hydraulic pump life.

Jet Edge offers the widest range of waterjet pumps in the industry, including hydraulic intensifier pumps and direct drive pumps in 36 ksi (2,500 bar), 60 ksi (4,100 bar) and 90 ksi (6,200 bar) models that are available from 30 hp to 280 hp (22 kW to 208 kW). Electric and diesel models are available.

The Waterjet Closed Loop Filtration System eliminates the need for a drain by filtering and reusing water. It prevents the introduction of hazardous materials into drainage systems, protects the waterjet pump, maximizes orifice life and reduces water/sewage costs.

Jet Edge, Inc., 12070 43rd Street NE, St. Michael, MN 55376-8427, 763-497-8700, [email protected], www.jetedge.com.