Jet Edge Celebrates 30 Years in Water Jet Industry

Jet Edge, Inc., a leading manufacturer of ultra-high pressure waterjet technology, is celebrating its 30^th anniversary in 2014.

Founded in 1984, Jet Edge entered the waterjet industry during the industry’s infancy and has grown to become one of the largest and most respected manufacturers of ultra-high pressure waterjet technology in the world.  Jet Edge waterjets are used in a wide range of industries around the world, including automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial manufacturing, food production, and machine and job shops.  Jet Edge’s extensive product line includes precision waterjet cutting systems, waterjet pumps, and mobile waterjet cutting and surface preparation systems.

            “We’ve come a long way since 1984,” said Jude Lague, Jet Edge president. “We’ve seen waterjet technology evolve from its 36,000 psi (2500 bar) water-only past to today’s sophisticated and highly precise 5-axis and robotic systems that can reach pressures exceeding 90,000 psi (6200 bar).  Back in 1984, or even in 1994, waterjet was such a niche technology that many people hadn’t even heard of it.  Today, it’s as common as any machine tool, and is used to manufacture countless everyday items, from sliced fruit to titanium joint implants.”

            Lague credits Jet Edge’s success to the company’s commitment to helping customers solve their toughest manufacturing problems and willingness to engineer custom solutions.     

          

  “We were born problem solvers,” Lague said. “Our company’s founder Chris Possis couldn’t find a satisfactory waterjet pump, so he built his own.  Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to help hundreds of customers improve their manufacturing processes and we’ve responded to some of the world’s greatest crises, including the Kuwait oil fires, the Kobe earthquakes, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.”

            Lague noted that Jet Edge’s success in the competitive waterjet industry would not have been possible without the support of its loyal customers, dedicated employees and industry friends.

            For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com,  call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343), 763-497-8700 or e-mail sales@jetedge.com.

           

About Jet Edge

Established in 1984, Jet Edge is a global designer and manufacturer of waterjet systems for precision cutting, surface preparation and coating removal. Jet Edge systems are used around the world in a broad range of industries, from the world's leading airlines to automotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturers, machine and job shops. Jet Edge waterjets are proudly made in U.S.A. 

Jet Edge Exhibiting Latest Waterjet Technology at 2009 American WJTA Conference and Expo

ST. MICHAEL, Minn. (June 29, 2009) – Jet Edge, Inc., will showcase its latest innovations in waterjet cutting and ultra-high pressure surface preparation technology at the WaterJet Technology Association’s 2009 American WJTA Conference and Expo, Aug. 18-20, at the Marriott Westchase Hotel in Houston, Texas. Look for Jet Edge in Hall A Booth 209.

Visitors to the Jet Edge booth will learn about Jet Edge’s mobile and precision waterjet products, including its 90,000 psi (6,200 bar) waterjet intensifier pump technology, its new Hydraulic Versacutter portable abrasive waterjet cutting and beveling system, and the Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry precision waterjet cutting machine. Jet Edge also will showcase its ultra-high pressure water blasting tools and portable diesel-powered waterjet intensifier pumps. Jet Edge technical experts will be available to answer questions about waterjetting applications.

Information

For more information about the 2009 American WJTA Conference and Expo, visit www.wjta.org.

For more information about Jet Edge waterjets, visit www.jetedge.com.

About Jet Edge
Established in 1984, Jet Edge is a global designer and manufacturer of waterjet systems for precision cutting, surface preparation and coating removal. Jet Edge systems are used around the world in a broad range of industries, from the world's leading airlines to automotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturers, machine and job shops. Jet Edge waterjet systems are proudly made in the U.S.A. For more information about Jet Edge waterjets, visit www.jetedge.com, e-mail sales@jetedge.com or call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343).

Jet Edge June Newsletter

We just posted our June newsletter at http://www.jetedge.com/news/jet-edge-waterjets-june-2009-newsletter.pdf.

Waterjet Cutting Brochure Available from Jet Edge

Jet Edge, Inc., recently released a new brochure highlighting its precision waterjet cutting products.The brochure features Jet Edge’s precision waterjet cutting tables, which include an expandable High Rail Gantry available in 2’ increments from 4’X4’ to 24’X14’, a Mid Rail Gantry available in sizes including 8’X13’ and 21’X13’ and a Low Rail Gantry available in sizes up to 30’X100’.

The brochure also highlights Jet Edge’s waterjet intensifier pumps, which are available in a wide range of horse powers and capable of producing pressures from 60,000-90,000psi, as well its precision water jet cutting accessories that include abrasivejet and water-only cutting heads, abrasive delivery, removal and recycling systems, and a closed loop filtration system.To request a brochure, call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343) or e-mail sales@jetedge.com.

View the brochure as a PDF at: http://www.jetedge.com/library/jet_edge_precision_cutting_brochure.pdf.

About Jet Edge
Established in 1984, Jet Edge is a global designer and manufacturer of waterjet systems for precision cutting, surface preparation and coating removal. Jet Edge systems are used around the world in a broad range of industries, from the world's leading airlines to automotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturers, machine and job shops. Jet Edge waterjet systems are proudly made in the U.S.A. For more information about Jet Edge, visit http://www.jetedge.com, e-mail sales@jetedge.com or call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343).

Reuel Inc. Acquires State-of-the-Art Jet Edge Waterjet Cutting Technology

Jet Edge, Inc., is pleased to announce that Reuel Inc. of Goldsboro, N.C., has installed Jet Edge’s latest ultra-high pressure waterjet cutting system, the Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry. With its new waterjet system, Reuel is now capable of cutting complex parts from virtually any material with water that has been pressurized to 60,000 psi. and mixed with an abrasive.

Reuel is an internationally-leading manufacturer of insulating components for the electrical power equipment industry. The company specializes in molded switchgear components, apparatus bushings and specialty products for medium voltage electrical distribution equipment. It also manufactures traction-power substations for mass transit authorities and large-scale contractors.

Established in 1987 by Larry and Sue Davis, Reuel has grown steadily over the years and is now one of the larger manufacturers in its industry. The company, which started out manufacturing just epoxy and other polymeric material electrical components, has grown to over 50 employees and now occupies a 110,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that features fully equipped machine and fabrication shops that, in addition to the new waterjet, include vertical milling centers, plunge and wire EDM machines, CNC lathes, CNC punches and press brakes, a shear, plasma cutter and a powder-coat paint line. Reuel also has a high-tech molding and casting department that features 11 hydraulic molding presses including a custom press that it built itself, plus a new pneumatic material conveying system.

According to Jason Stevens, Reuel project engineer, Reuel decided to add waterjet cutting to its extensive machining capabilities because it is the most effective way to cut GP03 fiberglass, one of the primary materials used in the company’s switchgear components for its traction-power substation line.

“Waterjet is the best way to cut parts from this material because it eliminates an aggravating fine dust that is created by other cutting methods,” Stevens said. “This dust can cause accelerated machine wear especially in machine ways and optical encoders.”

Reuel also plans to cut other materials with its waterjet machine, including steel, stainless steel, polycarbonate and copper, Stevens noted.Prior to purchasing its Jet Edge system, Reuel had been outsourcing its waterjetting, but determined it would be more cost-effective and efficient to bring its waterjet cutting in-house, Stevens explained.

“Now that we have our Jet Edge waterjet, we will have control over our process and control over lead time in addition to cost savings,” he said.

Within a week of installing the Jet Edge, Reuel had already trained five employees how to run the machine (the company cross-trains its fabrication shop employees) and was busy cutting GP03 insulating components for a traction-power substation it is building for a light rail system in New Orleans. Reuel is building two substations for the city’s transit authority to replace units damaged by flooding following Hurricane Katrina.

“Jet Edge’s training was great,” Stevens said. “The machine is working great, it can be run relatively unattended, and it looks like maintenance should be easy. I like the SigmaNEST® Companion CAD/CAM software on the controller. It seems to be very intuitive and the controller also is fairly intuitive. It’s one of the easiest that I’ve used.”

Stevens said he researched 20 waterjet systems from various manufacturers before deciding on Jet Edge.

“I like Jet Edge’s vertical integration and one call for service,” he said. “A lot of the other companies require you to call one company for parts and service on the gantry and another for parts and service on the pump. I also liked Jet Edge’s 24-hour availability. Many other waterjet manufacturers were available eight to five in their time zone or they had online support. Plus, I really liked working with David Arthur [Jet Edge’s Southeast U.S. regional sales manager]. I felt that he was as honest as a salesman could be and was willing to work with us to determine the best solution.”

The Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry selected by Reuel features an 8’X13’ work envelope with an exposed tank that easily accommodates overhead loading. It comes standard with one abrasivejet cutting head; a second cutting head can be added to increase productivity. The Mid Rail Gantry is ball-screw driven for higher accuracy. Its sturdy heavy-wall tubular steel construction eliminates vibration and increases longevity. The Mid Rail Gantry utilizes an industrial PC controller and can be configured so that all three axes are fully programmable (Z optional). It also features direct-couple AC brushless digital servo motors and single or double carriages. Critical bearing components are protected with heavy metal covers with brush seals.

More Information
For more information about Reuel, visit www.reuelnc.com, call 919-734-0460 or e-mail info@reuelnc.com.For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com, call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343) or e-mail sales@jetedge.com.

About Jet Edge
Established in 1984, Jet Edge is a global designer and manufacturer of waterjet systems for precision cutting, surface preparation and coating removal. Jet Edge systems are used around the world in a broad range of industries, from the world's leading airlines to automotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturers, machine and job shops. Jet Edge waterjet systems are proudly made in the U.S.A. For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com, e-mail sales@jetedge.com or call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343).

Michael Waltrip Racing Speeds Up Waterjet Cutting with 90,000 PSI Jet Edge X-Stream Waterjet Pump

Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) has installed a 90,000 psi Jet Edge X-Stream xP90-100 waterjet intensifier pump at its fabrication shop in Cornelius, N.C. The pump will power MWR's Jet Edge waterjet cutting system, which it uses to make parts for its three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams and its NASCAR Nationwide Series team.

MWR plans to achieve much faster cutting speeds and drastically lower its operating costs with its new Jet Edge X-Stream pump. The pump produces 50% more pressure than a typical 60,000 psi waterjet intensifier pump, resulting in a 40-50% increase in productivity for many materials. As a result of these faster cutting speeds, MWR can expect to use 30% less water, 30% less power, and up to 50% less abrasive.

"These days we're all looking for ways to save time and money, and Jet Edge's X-Stream pump does both," said Nick Hughes, MWR's technical director. "We couldn't ask for anything more."

According to Hughes, MWR has been running its Jet Edge waterjet system 60 to 65 hours per week since installing it in the spring of 2008. It now waterjets 250 parts for each of its racecars. The parts are cut from a wide variety of materials ranging from ¼" Nomex® to ½" steel, and include numerous panels, mounts and chassis components, plus duct work, windows, splitter panels and much more. MWR builds about 56 cars per year, which include the #55 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry driven by Michael Waltrip and fielded by MWR, the #00 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota Camry driven by David Reutimann and fielded by MWR, the #47 Little Debbie® Toyota Camry driven by Marcos Ambrose fielded by JTG-Daugherty Racing through a technical alliance with MWR, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series #99 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota Camry driven by David Reutimann fielded by MWR.

MWR has experienced tremendous productivity gains since installing its Jet Edge waterjet system, Hughes said.

"After we installed our Jet Edge last year, we increased our productivity by 50 percent and were able to get technology improvements to the racetrack two weeks faster than in the past," he said. "This resulted in some very respectable finishes that got everybody talking about Michael Waltrip Racing. It really comes down to machining time. We can cut parts a lot faster on the waterjet than on the milling center. We are also producing better quality parts and we are seeing huge reductions in material waste thanks to the Jet Edge's tight nesting capabilities."

Hughes noted that the Jet Edge waterjet was instrumental in the development of MWR's newest racecar, the Series 600.

"The Jet Edge waterjet was key to the redesign," Hughes said. "It enabled us to design and produce parts at a moment's notice. We were able to get the project done much faster and much more cost effectively than we could have in the past. As we enter our third year of Sprint Cup Series competition, there is no doubt that we will be placing even more demands on our Jet Edge waterjet. The X-Stream pump's faster cutting speeds will help us keep up with that demand."

For the latest updates on Michael Waltrip Racing's use of the Jet Edge waterjet system, and for more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com, call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343) or e-mail sales@jetedge.com. For more information about Michael Waltrip Racing, visit www.michaelwaltrip.com.

About Jet Edge
Established in 1984, Jet Edge is a global designer and manufacturer of waterjet systems for precision cutting, surface preparation and coating removal. Jet Edge systems are used around the world in a broad range of industries, from the world's leading airlines to automotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturers, machine and job shops. Jet Edge waterjet systems are proudly made in the U.S.A. For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com, e-mail sales@jetedge.com or call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343).

Jet Edge Introducing New Mid Rail Gantry Waterjet Machine at FABTECH 2008

Jet Edge, Inc. will introduce its new Mid Rail Gantry Waterjet System at the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, Oct. 6-8, 2008, in Las Vegas. Look for Jet Edge in booth 4257.

< View Product Specifications.

The Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry Waterjet System features an 8'X13' work envelope with an exposed tank that easily accommodates overhead loading. It comes standard with one abrasivejet cutting head; a second cutting head can be added to increase productivity. The Mid Rail Gantry is ball-screw driven for higher accuracy. Its sturdy heavy-wall tubular steel construction eliminates vibration and increases longevity. The Mid Rail Gantry utilizes an industrial PC controller and can be configured so that all three axes are fully programmable (Z optional). It also features direct-couple AC brushless digital servo motors and single or double carriages. Critical bearing components are protected with heavy metal covers with flexible lip seals. Like all Jet Edge products, the Mid Rail Gantry is proudly made in the U.S.A.

During FABTECH, Jet Edge also will showcase its 90,000 psi X-Stream xP90-100 and 60,000 psi iP60-50 intensifier pumps.

Capable of producing pressures in excess of 90,000psi, the 100hp X-Stream achieves much faster cutting speeds and drastically lowers operating costs compared to traditional 60,000psi pumps, enabling users to increase productivity and reduce part costs. The X-Stream produces 50% more pressure than a 60,000psi intensifier pump, resulting in a 40-50% increase in productivity for many materials. The X-Stream supports a 75,000psi continuous operating pressure. Compared to a 60,000psi pump, typical operating pressures of 75,000psi use 30% less water, 30% less power, and up to 50% less abrasive, resulting in a 40% reduction in operating costs. They typically reduce taper by up to 0.001". The X-Stream is capable of producing flow rates of 1.45gpm and supports up to a .017" orifice. Its fittings and tubing are rated for 100KSI. The X-Stream is backed by nearly 10 years of extensive research and development in hyper-pressure technology.

Featuring the most advanced technology for extended-life hydraulics, a reliable tie-rod design and easy maintenance with no threads on the high pressure cylinders, the 50-horsepower iP60-50 produces up to 60,000 psi (4,100 bar), and provides flow rates of 0 to 1.1 gallons (5 liters) per minute to a variety of cutting, surface-preparation or cleaning tools. The iP60-50 provides easy access for all service and maintenance. It features a non-threaded high-pressure cylinder with a warranty -- even on replacement cylinders, an improved performance check valve, and low torque requirements.

New Waterjet Systems Brochure!

Our new brochure features Jet Edge’s precision waterjet cutting tables, which include an expandable High Rail Gantry available in 2’ increments from 4’X4’ to 24’X14’, a Mid Rail Gantry available in sizes up to 30’X100’ and a compact Abrasive Machining Center available in 30”X30”, 30”X48” and 48”X96” models. The brochure also highlights Jet Edge’s intensifier pumps, which are available in a wide range of horse powers and capable of producing pressures from 60,000-90,000psi, as well its precision cutting accessories that include cutting heads, abrasive delivery, removal and recycling systems, and a closed loop filtration system.

< View Brochure