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 How the Abrasive Waterjet works-
Previously, machined items of nonconductive materials like stone carried a high price tag making them available to only a select customer base. Today, virtually any 2-D line art can be translated to CAD/CAM formats for waterjet output in a myriad of materials and attainable prices. Waterjet technology offers omnidirectional shape cutting capabilities, minimal lateral or vertical force, no micro stresses or cracks and the ability to cut almost any 5" thick, conductive or nonconductive material within ±.003" of an inch accuracy. Maximum size of material can be 55" x 100" x 5" thick.
In the abrasive jet nozzle, high-pressure water is forced through a sapphire orifice to form a narrow stream moving in excess of 2500 feet per second (1700 mph). This stream causes a suction that draws air and abrasive through the plastic feed tube.
The Abrasive Waterjet Advantage-
Abrasive waterjets can machine a wide range of thickness and materials, including metals, plastics, glass, ceramics and more.
Quality finish-
Materials cut by the abrasive jet have a smooth, satin-like finish, similar to a fine sandblasted finish. No heat used in the machining process, Abrasive jets abrade material at room temperatures. As a result, there are no heat-affected areas or structural changes in materials. Abrasive jets can also machine hardened metals and materials with low melting points. Environmentally friendly- Abrasive jets use garnet as an abrasive. Garnet is a reddish natural crystal, with a Moh hardness of 6.5 to 7.5. No noxious gases or liquids are used in abrasive jet machining, nor are there any oils used in the machining process.
No tool changing-
A wide range of conventional processes can be performed with this single tool:
• Drilling
• Sawing
• Broaching
• Gear cutting
• Profile milling
• Punching
• Slitting
• Spline cutting
• Blanking
• Minimal burr
No heavy burrs are produced by the abrasive jet process. Parts can often be used directly without any deburring.
The software is simple and easy to use which means even complicated drawings can be programmed into the computer for operation. We can also import and edit .DXF & .DWG files created by other CAD programs.
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Rapid turnaround-
Our waterjet gives you the ability to quickly go from drawing to finished part. We can economically machine lots as small as one piece.
What type of materials can be cut using our Abrasive Waterjet Technology?
• Inconel
• Titanium
• Stainless Steel
• Glass
• Brass
• Composites
• Ceramics
• Aluminum
• Mild Steel
• Hardened Tool Steel
• Stone
• And much more
 
Image(s) courtesy of OMAX Corporation www.omax.com
and www.decemberbox.com
What are the advantages of using our Abrasivejet technology Vs. other machining processes?-
Abrasive Waterjet Vs. Wire EDM-
• 5-10 times faster
• Cuts conductive and nonconductive materials
• Can pierce directly through material
• No heat affected zone
Abrasive Waterjet Vs. Laser Cutting-
• Cut parts up to 5" thick in virtually any material
• No heat affected zone
• Comparable accuracy
• Stacking of material allowed
Abrasive Waterjet Vs. Machining Centers-
• Quicker setup time
• One tool drills, profile cuts, saws, etc
• Better utilization of material
Abrasive Waterjet Vs. Stamping-
• No tooling required
• Quicker turn around
• No tooling maintenance
• Less taper on thick parts
Who Uses Our Abrasive Waterjet Technology?
Job Shops-
use us to produce a wide variety of short-run parts. It also complements their CNC Milling Machines.
Wire EDM Shops-
use us to save valuable machine time where ±.003 is acceptable.
Laser Shops-
capitalize on our ability to cut thicker materials and reflective materials.
Aerospace and Military industries-
use us because we can work with materials that are affected by heat (titanium, aluminum and high temperature materials).
Tooling Shops-
use us to work with heat-treated/hardened tool steel.
Prototype & R&D Shops-
use us to work directly from CAD drawings. Make quick changes in part geometry or dimensions.
Maintenance & Repair Shops-
use us to produce one-off parts on a quick turnaround basis.
Manufacturers-
use us to control Just-in-Time inventory requirements.
Metal Fabricators-
use us to offer “clean edge” plate work, i.e., brackets, machine parts and weldments, etc…
We also assist Architectural Fabricators or high-end builders in their work with Glass, Stone, Tile and Metal.
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