New waterjet CNC-controlled x-y table

Citation

(1999), "New waterjet CNC-controlled x-y table", Industrial Robot, Vol. 26 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1999.04926bad.002

New waterjet CNC-controlled x-y table

New waterjet CNC-controlled x-y table

Keywords Waterjet

One of the highlights of the large ABB stand at the Euroblech '98 exhibition in Hannover was the first working demonstration of a new generation of CNC-controlled x-y waterjet cutting tables from ABB and Ingersoll-Rand (see Plate 1).

The technique uses either pure water or a mix of water and a fine abrasive material to form an abrasive waterjet for use on harder workpieces. With abrasive added to the waterjet, virtually any material can be cut, including metals such as aluminium, carbon steel, stainless steel and copper and aerospace materials such as titanium, high-nickel alloys and reinforced composites.

Mats Sandgren, Product Manager for ABB I-R Abrasive Waterjet Cutting Products, said: "Subcontract cutting is a maturing business where competition is very fierce and many companies are looking for ways to diversify into new areas such as waterjet cutting. The advantages offered by waterjet technology are illustrated by aluminium and stainless steel where thicknesses are less than 10 mm for laser cutting, whilst with waterjet cutting, thicknesses can be well over 100 mm."

As well as increased thicknesses, waterjet cutting allows users to work with a wider range of materials and cut complex components to complement those available with laser cutting.

The ABB I-R demonstration showed the advanced features of the new family of cutting tables including the cutting heads: a new abrasive feed, metering and removal system and new precision-machined components and control and production options. Available in a range of sizes ­ 3 × 2, 3 × 4, 3 × 6 and 3 × 8 m² ­ the new tables have a modular format offering advantages for both new and experienced users of waterjet cutting. The modular design coupled with their high reliability, performance and safety levels allows the cutting tables to meet the requirements of any production environment from sub-contract cutters or jobbing shops to the largest manufacturing facilities.

Entry level versions of the new cutting tables feature fixed-position cutting heads. At the next level are systems where the distance between the cutting heads can be varied. Increased flexibility is provided by adding height sensors to the cutting heads and there is a further option of CNC-controlled z-axes on the cutting heads. Another innovative control system is a new Retrace program developed by ABB I-R, which records the progress of the cutting programme and allows the user to return to any point where cutting may have been stopped and restart the process. In this way the user can ensure that the profile is complete and that it meets quality control requirements.

Plate 1 A new generation of CNC-controlled x-y waterjet cutting tables from ABB 1-R Waterjet Systems AB, the waterjet cutting joint venture between ABB and Ingersoll-Rand, will receive its first working demonstration at the Euroblech '98 exhibition in Hannover

A key feature of the cutting table design is the new AUTOLINE cutting head system. The AUTOLINE nozzle is a complete unit with a fixed diamond orifice, pre-aligned with the focusing tube, which helps reduce wear and friction loss, resulting in better cutting efficiency.

The high pressure jets of water at 3800 bar (55,000 psi) are produced by the new range of STREAMLINE IV intensifiers, which are completely self-contained systems with a small footprint and built-in controls accessed through an attractive "see-through" cover. They utilise variable displacement, pressure-compensated hydraulic pump technology and the range offers a wide choice of model size allowing the user to select the correct intensifier to obtain the best price/performance for their application.

Another of the advantages offered by the new cutting tables is that they are complete units, allowing the user to move the equipment easily around a plant or cutting shop without having to dissemble the system. Some competitive products have to be taken apart in order to move the systems and involve complicated alignment and set-up procedures after they are re-assembled.

The new family of CNC-controlled x-y waterjet cutting tables is part of a complete range of systems from ABB I-R based on waterjet cutting to be presented at Euroblech. The company is one of only a few companies worldwide to specialise exclusively in waterjet cutting. As well as the new cutting tables, the company is a world leader in sophisticated three-dimensional robotic waterjet cutting systems for applications in general manufacturing and the automobile industry.

Please mail all sales enquiries to: ABB I-R Waterjet Systems AB, Marketing Services Unit, PO Box 2, Chorley New Road, Horwich, Bolton, Lancs BL6 6JN, UK.