Waterjet Cutting Turns Waste Into Added Value
How you can use waterjet cutting in your machining process to minimise waste when processing expensive materials and improve your material recycling and usage
Simple Customisation Turns Waste into Added Value
Instead of drilling to cut out holes in the production of Inconel cylinders the use of waterjet technology with its narrow incision and fine kerf allows separate pieces to be cut out of the same material.
This delivered not just better value but also new product opportunities because it allows the residual material to be stored, shaped and reused.
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Residual materials you can use to manufacture more components
This Inconel cylinder machining process involved cutting holes up to 127 mm in diameter in 152.4 mm diameter cylinders up to 200mm in thickness. With high tolerance requirements processing had until recently been performed by drilling. However, as the circumference of the hole was more than 50% of the material’s diameter, this meant 36% of the material was turned into waste.
Instead of simply drilling a hole, the narrow incisions (1-1.5 mm) and fine kerf of waterjet technology enable three separate pieces to be cut from the original material much like stacking a Russian Matryoshka doll. This provides multiple recycling possibilities by producing residual materials that can be used to manufacture more components instead of simply wasted as swarf.
As a precision process with a high potential for material savings, success depends on the correct cutting parameters to achieve results within tolerance requirements, as well as the machine’s performance and precision over time.
A standard machine solution with a twist
This solution was based on a Water Jet Sweden H-model with a 2 x 1m table surface. This is a standard machine model which offers a complete workstation for all types of high-tolerance waterjet cutting in 2D
NCH 30, Water Jet Sweden
The Inconel cylinders 152 x 203 mm cutting items did not require a large work area so the standard machine size was more than adequate enabling a cost-effective as well as proven solution to be delivered despite the high-tolerance requirements.
Even with thicker materials faster processing and straighter cut surfaces are possible with the H-model thanks to optional, extra-high cutting pressure and a top of the line KMT Pro3 60 HP Intensifier Pump to deliver 6200 bar of water pressure.
And as a true, high-performance CNC machine it features FANUC OiF CNC control systems and an easy layout Fanuc 8.5″ touch-screen panel especially designed for waterjet cutting.
Customised tank and fixtures for smooth production process
To cut the thick cylinders with up to 6200 bar, the H-model waterjet cutting machine was enhanced with a customised tank to ensure an effective and smooth production process. Manufactured entirely in stainless steel to withstand the continual wear of both water and sand.
As water spray is often deflected when piercing thicker materials it also includes extra splash guards on the side and a special nozzle cover to spread water horizontally as this is important for the working environment.
High precision and repeatability is delivered thanks to an integrated three part fixture system in the tank ;
Fixture bench
Connected to the tank with special feet for improved support and maximum stability and repeatability.Palette fixture
Designed to be easily moved in and out of the tank. Special cone-shaped guides automatically realign with the starting position on the fixture bench.Material holders
Designed to handle various item diameters and withstand tough manufacturing environments. Easy loading and unloading provides an efficient work flow and manufacturing process.
Added value as standard
Tony Rydh
CTO and founder of Water Jet Sweden
“Thanks to the customised tank and special fixture solution, our H-model machine is now an enhanced workstation that performs a highly specific and precision production process. Both the tank and the fixture system are designed for easy operation, and smooth loading and unloading with a specialised lifting device. The robust design means durability that can withstand years of cutting in tough manufacturing environments. Finally, it delivers an improved economy and new opportunities for years to come. The easiest way to save material is to stop wasting it!”
Why choose Water Jet Sweden UK for Service & Support?
Approved UK Support
All of our team of experienced, water jet cutting engineers are Water Jet Sweden factory trained. Our support team is based in the UK and we're available for technical support 24 hours a day. Our UK Technical Centre also provides test cutting and training.
UK Spare Parts Stock
As approved UK technical service and support for Water Jet Sweden, we hold a large stock of original spare parts in the UK for the full range of Water Jet Sweden machines. Guaranteed next day delivery and re-stocked from Sweden on a weekly basis.
Water Jet Cutting Expertise
Our UK-based team has over 30 years industry experience with CNC water jet cutting machines. We install and maintain machines throughout the UK. We also have direct access to the support team at Water Jet Sweden AB.
