INCREASE PLASTICS PRODUCTIVITY WITH A WATERJET SYSTEM
Ultra high pressure (UHP) Waterjet cutting offers plastic fabricators many advantages. Waterjet and Abrasive Waterjet are able to cut virtually any material while holding tight tolerances. It cuts by using a controlled, ultrasonic erosion process that removes the material creating a very thin kerf versus conventional cutting methods.This unique process removes the material being cut and contains it so no toxic gases or airborne particles are emitted. Other processes that involve heat are not only more susceptible to emitting toxic fumes and smoke, they also may distort the material. Waterjet offers plastic fabricators the flexibility between edge quality and speed of cut with no heat affected zone (HAZ). By eliminating the HAZ, Waterjet users save time and money by reducing or even eliminating secondary finishing operations leaving a smooth, burr-free cut in minutes. Regardless of the material being cut, whether a thin plastic or thick nylon, there is no burning or melting. Waterjet offers increased productivity, is inexpensive, and allows materials to be stacked, depending on the thickness, which decreases setup time. It also produces nearly zero lateral cutting force making fixturing easier and allows the fabricator to run multiple cutting heads on the same system. The number of cutting heads being used depends on the size of your work piece, work envelope, and capacity of pump. Waterjet offers a wide variety of pressures depending on material, thickness, and finish. Waterjet can produce 55,000 psi, which will provide the highest feed-rates and minimum abrasive use. However, most systems can also be operated at lower pressures for piecing brittle material or cutting very thin materials. The economics of Waterjet are different than conventional cutting. A few items within the cutting head assemble are "consumables" and contribute to the operating expenses. The primary consumables include a premounted orifice assembly, mixing chamber, and abrasive nozzle if abrasive is used. Other contributing factors include water and abrasive, when used. This photo shows a waterjet system cutting 1/2" resin bound fiberglass, 1/4" plastic, 1" resin bound woven fiberglass mat, 1/2" plastic, and 1" resin bound fiberglass.

For more information, contact Dan Gotz, Jet Edge, 825 Rhode Island Ave. So., Minneapolis, MN 55426, 612-545-1477, FAX 612-545-5670. Jet Edge manufacturers of a complete line of Waterjet systems available from 2.5 axes to 6 axes and in table sizes from a 24" x 30" to 14' x 14'. Pumps range from 30 horsepower to 150 horsepower. Programmable nesting features are available with some software packages. Jet Edge Waterjet systems will hold tolerances to +/-.005".