One, two or three dimensional waterjet cutting and robot applications
One-dimensional cutting
In general, longitudinal cuts are produced with a single continuous water jet. The frame of the system is thereby normally of a rather simple design. Cutting speeds tend to be high and in most cases, pure water is used. The key requirements are optimised speed of cutting, high reliability of the process and minimum moisture residue on the material, which is normally not a problem as a tiny waterjet passes at high velocity through the materials.
As water jets with minute diameters (e.g. 0.17 mm) are used and the material is moving very fast below the cutting head (or the cutting moving very fast across the material), virtually no water remains on the material, so that it is even possible to work simultaneously with several cutting heads.
Diagram of 1D slitter with seven cutting heads
Two-dimensional cutting
Normally, this method is used together with 2D cutting tables. The cutting head thereby moves along the x and y axes and is controlled by signals from the central CNC system. In many cases the, Z axis (height) is also controllable, so that the system can be adapted for non-flat or thicker materials. The height vertical adjustment of the cutting head ensures best results, as the device can be positioned very closely to the material to be cut. This system is the ideal solution for the fast production of many different parts made of various materials on a single processing platform.
The main system features include fast cutting speeds (up to 144 m/min) and the ability to cut large number of parts at the same time (machines equipped with multiple cutting heads are often adapted for mirrored cuts or reverse cutting). Machine sizes range from 1 x 1 m to extremely large units. They can of course be extended with additional options such as integrated plasma cutters or saws attached to the table.
Animation of 2D cutting table
Applications:
Cutting of metal, composites, sealing materials, ceramics, stone, glass and other materials of uniform density
Three-dimensional cutting
Systems for demanding applications
By using a cutting head with five axes, cones can be cut from flat sheets, holes can be drilled into tubes and ribbed/bevelled edges can be produced. While such flexible systems come at a price, they normally pay for themselves as they are extremely versatile.
- Abrasive cutting:
Engine components made in titanium, aluminium and stainless steel; turbine blades, marble and other decorative stone - Pure water cutting:
Components for car interiors such as carpets, door panels, bumpers, dashboards, instrument panels, glove compartments, etc.
Robot applications
In most machines, the cutting head is attached to a robot arm.
For three-dimensional waterjet cutting, industrial robots and motion control technology are used. Robot solutions thus provide unrivalled flexibility, which is crucial considering the constant changes made to production processes. It is for example very easy to modify the cutting program so that several tasks are carried out simultaneously. There is no need for a system reset or similar operation. Robotic waterjet cutting solutions are very safe, cost-effective and productive and also protect the environment. They thus provide a viable alternative to conventional machining methods such as sawing, thermal cutting (plasma/laser), punching, milling and other mechanical processes (deburring of cast and forged parts or composites).
About KMT Waterjet Systems
KMT Waterjet Systems is a leading multinational manufacturer of waterjet cutting systems. The company develops complete solutions for a wide range of industries and applications. Since 1971 the company has been dedicated to long-term customer relationships. Continuous investment in innovation has made KMT Waterjet Systems the market leader in the waterjet cutting industry. High pressure pumps, cutting heads, abrasive systems, high pressure tubes, original spare parts and a global service network are among the key products and services of the company.