Michael Waltrip Endorses Jet Edge Waterjets in New Video

NASCAR legend Michael Waltrip injects his trademark humor and master pitchman skills into a new video endorsing Jet Edge precision waterjet cutting systems.  Watch the video on Jet Edge’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/jetedgewaterjets.

In the video, Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 champion and co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing credits Jet Edge for helping MWR become a major player in NASCAR’s highly competitive Sprint Cup Series.  

“Racing is a team sport and one of our most important team members is our Jet Edge waterjet,” Waltrip says.  “Thanks to Jet Edge, we’re able to take design improvements to the racetrack weeks faster, and that makes us a force to be reckoned with.”

Waltrip explains that the Jet Edge waterjet has been so critical to MWR’s success, they decided to add a second system.  MWR Chief Technical Officer Tom German joins Waltrip in the video, providing an overview of the NASCAR team’s new Jet Edge EDGE X-5 5-axis waterjet and the team’s plans for its use.

“Our engineering department is very excited to have this powerful new tool,” German says. “The Jet Edge EDGE X-5 is taking our fabricating capabilities to a whole new level.  In fact, we’ve already taken design improvements to the track and Victory Lane.”

MWR installed its first Jet Edge in 2008, when the new NASCAR team was struggling to get off the ground.  In 2013, MWR doubled the size of its water jet shop as part of a major capital improvement project and added the new 5-axis Jet Edge to complement its existing system.  MWR uses its Jet Edge waterjet systems to cut more than 1,000 parts for its three Sprint Cup teams, which include the #55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry driven by Brian Vickers and Waltrip, the #56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry driven by Martin Truex Jr., and the #15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry driven by Clint Bowyer. 

MWR values its waterjet systems so much, it has twice surprised the small family owned Minnesota company with Jet Edge decaled Sprint Cup cars.  Brian Vickers raced the #55 Jet Edge Toyota Camry to an 11^th place finish this spring at Martinsville Speedway and the #55 Jet Edge-Freightliner Toyota Camry to a ninth place finish last fall at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Established in 1984, Jet Edge is a global designer and manufacturer of waterjet systems for precision cutting, surface preparation and coating removal. Jet Edge waterjets 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.

For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com, e-mail sales@jetedge.com or call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343). Follow us on Twitter @jetedge.

Material Handling Equipment Manufacturer Anderson-Crane Company Installs Jet Edge Waterjet System

Jet Edge Inc. is pleased to announce that Anderson-Crane Company, a world leading material handling equipment manufacturer, has installed a Jet Edge waterjet cutting system at its fabrication facility in Litchfield, Minn.  With its new waterjet system, Anderson-Crane is now capable of cutting complex finished-quality parts from virtually any material.

Anderson-Crane Company manufactures a wide variety of material handling equipment, including screw conveyors, screw feeders and bucket elevators, specializing in custom projects. Anderson-Crane conveyors are used around the world to move everything from chocolate to taconite.  The company also fabricates hoppers, bins and gates. In addition to manufacturing its own products, Anderson-Crane operates as a local job shop, building structural equipment for local businesses and molds for the plastics industry. It also offers metal repair services.

Founded in 1950 as an offshoot of its Minneapolis-based sister company Anderson-Crane Rubber Company, Anderson-Crane Company has been steadily growing its fabrication facility and capabilities for more than 60 years. 

Company spokesman Rob Crane attributes his company’s growth and customer loyalty to its unsurpassed commitment to quality and its expertise in manufacturing custom material handling equipment.

“Anderson-Crane has become recognized as a leader in quality in the material handling business, delivering products with a very high attention to detail and finish,” Crane commented.  “We have decades-long customers that include Fortune 500 companies and major multi-nationals. We pay very close attention to our products’ fit and finish, assuring all dimensions are precise and weldments are cleaned.  Customers call on us when they have a special conveyor design that can’t be found in a catalog. We treat our customers’ projects as unique equipment that deserves close attention to detail and quality.”

This meticulous attention to quality is what compelled Anderson-Crane to install a precision waterjet cutting system, Crane noted.  Before installing its water jet, the company had been cutting parts on a CNC plasma machine and outsourcing work to waterjet shops.

“Due to our high demand for quality, we have spent a lot of time cleaning parts that come off our plasma machine,” Crane recalled.  “We decided to buy a waterjet because of its clean cut; our goal is to reduce rework and part cleaning time.  We wanted a system that cut parts with little or no edge cleanup required. A laser proved too costly and a waterjet allowed us to cut metal (our main working material), but also softer material such as gasket. We had been outsourcing waterjet cutting and were always satisfied with the edge quality and easy assembly of its finished parts. With the waterjet we’re able to move from raw material to finished parts in as little time as possible while improving our products’ quality and precision.”

Anderson-Crane’s new waterjet cutting capabilities will help the company maintain its competitive edge, Crane noted.

“Manufacturers in the material handling industry do not focus on the same level of quality as we do,” he said. “Adding a waterjet to our fabrication process set the quality bar even higher. Our goal is to minimize the time it takes to go from raw material to assembly. As we implement this, we’re striving to consistently deliver a product with outstanding quality.  We’re setting Anderson-Crane even further apart in an industry where quality and workmanship are often afterthoughts.”

In addition to improving its own products, Anderson-Crane also plans to grow its job shop business by offering waterjet cutting services.  It plans to cut primarily mild and stainless steel and occasionally rubber gasket and UHMW.

Anderson-Crane’s Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry waterjet system features an 8’x13’ work envelope and SigmaNEST® Companion CAD/CAM nesting software to maximize material usage.  It is powered by a 60,000 psi, 50hp Jet Edge iP60-50 waterjet intensifier pump.  The system features an eco-friendly Ebbco closed-loop water filtration and chilling system that prolongs waterjet component life and reduces water consumption and sewage fees by recycling water.

Anderson-Crane decided to buy its waterjet specifically from Jet Edge for a variety of reasons, Crane noted.

“Jet Edge’s proximity to our shop is a unique benefit,” he said.  “Being close to the manufacturer for support and training is important to us. We also wanted a dual gantry design, which we see as a more robust design than cantilever models offered by other waterjet firms.”

More Information

For more information about Anderson-Crane Company, visit www.screw-conveyor.com or call 800-314-2747 or 612-359-3535.

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

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).

 

MWR Installs Jet Edge 5-Axis Waterjet System

Jet Edge, Inc. is pleased to announce that Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) has installed a second Jet Edge precision water jet cutting system at its fabrication shop in Cornelius, N.C.

For its second waterjet machine, MWR selected Jet Edge’s new EDGE X-5 5-axis waterjet cutting system, which is capable of cutting beveled and taper-free parts from virtually any material. The machine is powered by a 100hp Jet Edge iP55-100 hydraulic intensifier pump that pressurizes water to 55,000 psi and features IGEMS CAD/CAM/NESTING software.  This new multi-axis water jet system complements MWR’s existing 3-axis 90,000 psi 100 hp High Rail Gantry system, installed in 2008.

MWR uses its Jet Edge waterjets to cut more than 1,000 parts for each of its NASCAR Sprint Cup cars.  It builds about 56 cars per year, including the #55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry driven by Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin and Brian Vickers, the #56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry driven by Martin Truex Jr., and the #15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry driven by Clint Bowyer.

“Our engineering department is very excited to have this powerful new tool,” said Tom German, MWR chief technical officer. “The Jet Edge EDGE X-5 is taking our fabricating capabilities to a whole new level. In fact, we’ve already taken design improvements to the track and Victory Lane.”

Jet Edge President Jude Lague said Jet Edge is proud to install a second system at Michael Waltrip Racing.

“MWR has a lot at stake when it comes to the performance and reliability of its manufacturing equipment,” Lague said.  “We’re very proud that we’ve earned their confidence and that they chose Jet Edge for their second system.”   

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.michaelwaltripracing.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 +1-763-497-8700.  Follow us on Twitter @jetedge.

Machinery Forum Representing Jet Edge Water Jet Systems in Australia

Jet Edge, Inc., a leading manufacturer of ultra-high pressure waterjets for precision cutting, coating removal and surface preparation, is pleased to announce that Machinery Forum NSW Pty. Ltd. has been selected as its newest waterjet systems dealer covering the Australian market. 

Machinery Forum carries Jet Edge’s full line of waterjet cutting and surface preparation equipment, including waterjet cutting machines, waterjet intensifier pumps and portable waterjetting systems. The company also carries Jet Edge waterjet parts and is authorized to service Jet Edge waterjet equipment.

Based in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney with plans for other states, Machinery Forum has been a supplier of leading edge manufacturing technology to the Australian manufacturing industry since 1956, and has extensive experience in diverse fields of manufacturing including metal cutting, foundry equipment, electronic PCB, cable manufacturing, wire processing, concrete reinforcing, steel processing, solar panel manufacturing, and many others.

“Jet Edge is very proud to be represented by Machinery Forum,” said Jude Lague, Jet Edge president.  “Their highly skilled and experienced sales and technical staff will be a tremendous asset to our Australian customers.” 

For more information about Machinery Forum, visit www.machineryforum.com.au, e-mail machinery@mafosyd.com.au or call (02) 9638 9600. For more information about Jet Edge waterjets, visit www.jetedge.com, call +1 763-497-8726 or e-mail sales@jetedge.com.

For more information about international distributor opportunities with Jet Edge, contact Dave Anderson, International Sales Manager, at +1 763 497 8718, DaveA@jetedge.com, or visit www.jetedge.com.

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.

Water Jet Systems Manufacturer Jet Edge Exhibiting at Metalworking Manufacturing & Production Expo May 7 in Coquitlam, B.C.

Jet Edge Inc., a leading manufacturer of ultra-high pressure (UHP) water jet systems, announced today that it is exhibiting at the Metalworking Manufacturing & Production Expo from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 7 at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam, B.C.

During this informative table-top forum, attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with waterjet and metal fabrication technology experts from Jet Edge and its Canadian distributor, Elliott-Matsuura Canada Inc. Admission is free.

Jet Edge manufactures complete systems for precision water jet cutting, mobile waterjet cutting, and UHP cleaning and surface preparation operations.  It offers the widest range of waterjet pumps in the industry, including hydraulic intensifier pumps and direct drive pumps.  Models are available in 36,000 psi, 60,000 psi and 90,000 psi pressures; electric and diesel, 30-280hp.

For more information about the Metalworking Manufacturing & Production Expo, visit www.mmpshow.com.

For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com, e-mail sales@jetedge.com or call 1-800-JET-EDGE or 763-497-8700. Follow us on Twitter @jetedge.

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.

Elliott-Matsuura Canada Inc. is Jet Edge’s exclusive Canadian distributor. 
For more information about Elliott-Matsuura Canada Inc., visit www.elliottmachinery.com or call 905-829-2211.

Jet Edge Sponsoring Gateway to Europe Trade Conference June 4,5 Minneapolis

Jet Edge Inc., a St. Michael, Minnesota-based manufacturer of ultra high pressure water jet technology, announced today that it will be one of the corporate sponsors of the upcoming  “Gateway to Europe International Trade Conference,” June 4-5 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Minneapolis.  The conference is hosted by the Minnesota District Export Council (MN DEC) in cooperation with the U.S. Commercial Service.

With over 300 companies expected to participate, this international trade conference offers U.S. businesses unique opportunities to develop networks, devise strategies, and expand knowledge of current economic and political trends across the region.  Conference attendees will have the opportunity to pre-schedule one-on-one meetings with more than 25 senior commercial diplomats from markets in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.  They also will have the opportunity to identify the best business opportunities in multiple markets and attend keynote addresses by leaders from private industry and government. Markets covered during the conference include Austria, Baltics, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, U.S. Mission to the EU, and U.S. Mission to IAEA.

“There are tremendous opportunities for export growth in Europe, particularly in the former Soviet Union block countries,” said David Anderson, Jet Edge international sales manager and recent MN DEC member. “If you want to grow your export sales in Europe, this conference provides a rare opportunity to meet and speak with trade experts from almost every country in Europe about the best strategies for your export business with a single travel itinerary. How easy is that?”

To register for the conference and view the latest conference agenda, visit www.exportassistance.com.  Early bird registration is $299 by May 10; standard registration is $349.  Those attending the “Access the Western Hemisphere  International Trade Conference April 23-24 will receive discounted registration of $279 for each conference if they register for both conferences by March 22.  For more information, contact the U.S. Commercial Service at info@exportassistance.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.

About the U.S. Commercial Service
The U.S. Commercial Service, located across the U.S. and in American Embassies and consulates in over 70 countries, is your global network of trade professionals to help your business succeed in markets around the world.

About the DEC
The Minnesota DEC is a private, nonprofit organization of experienced international business people providing export expertise to expand U.S. exporting.

For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com, e-mail sales@jetedge.com or call 1-800-JET-EDGE or 763-497-8700. Follow us on Twitter @jetedge.

Brian Vickers Driving #55 Jet Edge Toyota Camry April 7 in Virginia 500

Water jet systems manufacturer Jet Edge, Inc. proudly announces that Brian Vickers will drive the #55 Jet Edge Toyota Camry April 7 at the Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

Vickers, who is driving the #55 car in nine races this year for Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR), became the youngest Busch Series champion in NASCAR history in 2003, at the age of 20.  Last September, he drove the #55 Jet Edge-Freightliner Toyota Camry to a ninth place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and led the race for five laps despite starting from the rear due to an engine change.

MWR uses a Jet Edge precision water jet cutting system to cut more than 1,000 parts for each of its racecars. MWR builds about 56 cars per year, including the #55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry driven by Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin and Brian Vickers, the #56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry driven by Martin Truex Jr., and the #15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry driven by Clint Bowyer. This spring, MWR is installing a second Jet Edge water jet system in its Cornelius, N.C. fabrication shop. MWR’s second water jet system will feature Jet Edge’s latest Permalign® EDGE taper control and bevel cutting technology.

“Brian ran an incredible race last fall at Loudon and we’re really excited to see him back in the Jet Edge car this spring,” said Jet Edge President Jude Lague.  “We’re very proud that MWR uses Jet Edge equipment and that they are installing a second Jet Edge.”

The race will air at 1 p.m. EST on FOX.

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.

More Information
For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com, e-mail sales@jetedge.com or call 1-800-JET-EDGE or 763-497-8700. Follow us on Twitter @jetedge.

MWR and Jet Edge Renew Technical Partnership

by Jet Edge

Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) and Jet Edge, Inc. announced today that they are renewing their longstanding technical partnership. 

MWR and Jet Edge also announced that MWR is installing a second Jet Edge water jet cutting system at its fabrication shop in Cornelius, N.C. and Brian Vickers will drive the #55 Jet Edge Toyota Camry in the Virginia 500 April 7 at Martinsville Speedway.

MWR Drivers. Courtesy Michael Waltrip Racing

MWR uses its Jet Edge precision water jet cutting system to cut more than 1,000 parts for each of its NASCAR Sprint Cup cars.  It builds about 56 cars per year, including the #55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry driven by Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin and Brian Vickers, the #56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry driven by Martin Truex Jr., and the #15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry driven by Clint Bowyer.

For its second waterjet machine, MWR has selected a Mid Rail Gantry system equipped with Jet Edge’s latest Permalign® EDGE taper control and bevel cutting technology.  The system features IGEMS CAD/CAM/NESTING software and is powered by a 60,000 psi 100 hp Jet Edge intensifier pump.  This new multi-axis water jet system will complement MWR’s existing 3-axis 90,000 psi 100 hp High Rail Gantry system, which was installed in 2008.

“Our business is all about speed,” said Michael Waltrip.  “We have to get design improvements to the racetrack as fast as possible to be competitive, and that’s going to be more important than ever this year with NASCAR’s mass rule changes.  Our first Jet Edge helped us get new parts to the racetrack two weeks faster and made us a force to be reckoned with.  Just think what we’ll be able to do with two Jet Edges!”

Jet Edge President Jude Lague said Jet Edge is thrilled to continue its relationship with MWR.

“Our partnership with MWR has exceeded our wildest expectations,” Lague said.  “They have been a powerful endorsement of our capabilities and we’re proud to be associated with such a first-class organization.  We’re really excited that Brian Vickers is racing for us again this year.  He had a great run at Loudon and we’re looking forward to Martinsville.”

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 +1-763-497-8700.  Follow us on Twitter @jetedge.

Jet Edge Awarded Patent for Water Jet Seal

Jet Edge, Inc. announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued the waterjet manufacturer a patent for a high pressure fluid sealing mechanism designed by Jet Edge R&D Engineer Michael Wheeler.

Jet Edge’s proprietary high pressure fluid sealing mechanism (U.S. Patent 8,333,387) improves waterjet seal life by providing robust Metal-on-Metal sealing without the use of conventional plastic seals.  This technology uses two convex curved surfaces in single line contact with one another to seal ultra-high pressure (UHP) fluid at static pressures up to 130,000 psi. To view the patent, visit http://1.usa.gov/VuWMjM.

“Jet Edge’s revolutionary Metal-on-Metal sealing technology marks a tremendous breakthrough in waterjet technology,” said Jet Edge President Jude Lague. “With it, we are able to offer one of the longest seal lives in the industry, which translates into higher productivity and lower maintenance costs for our customers.”

Jet Edge initially developed the Metal-on-Metal seal to meet the increased performance demands of its X-Stream (XP) pressure intensifier pumps, which produce dynamic cutting pressures of 75,000 psi.  The technology has proven so successful that the waterjet manufacturer has expanded its use into additional product lines, including its ECO-JET direct drive pumps and several of its 60,000 psi intensifier pumps.

With its Metal-on-Metal sealing technology, Jet Edge has been able to eliminate static seals in its XP intensifiers and ECO-JET direct drive pumps, Wheeler noted.

“This has effectively cut the number of seals that can fail or need to be changed in half,” Wheeler said.  “I've assembled and disassembled these seals countless times and most of the time a quick cleaning of the surfaces with a Scotch-Brite® pad and a fresh coat of Blue Lube is all the maintenance that's ever needed.  The Metal-on-Metal seals that are part of the cylinders in our R&D ECO-JET have at least 40 million pressure cycles on them.”

Wheeler noted that it took a tremendous team effort to develop the technology and achieve the patent.

“I want to thank Jude Lague for funding the research, development, and legal work that lead to this patent, [Jet Edge Engineering Manager] Dave Lafavor for encouraging the research, [former Jet Edge employee] Reynold Sacquitne for his help in testing and troubleshooting the technology, [Jet Edge machinist] Brian Wallace for his excellent job machining the prototypes that lead to this technology, and [attorney] Paul Grunzweig for helping us find our way through the legal process of writing and obtaining the patent,” he said.

A waterjet industry leader since 1984, Jet Edge owns a variety of patents related to ultra-high pressure waterjet technology.  Jet Edge manufactures complete waterjet systems, including precision CNC waterjet gantries, waterjet pumps, accessories and parts.  It offers the widest range of waterjet pumps in the industry.

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 +1-763-497-8700.  Follow us on Twitter @jetedge.

Army's 11th ACR Installs Jet Edge Waterjet

Jet Edge Inc. is honored to announce that the U.S. Army’s legendary 11th Armored Calvary Regiment (ACR) has installed a Jet Edge precision water jet cutting system at its home base in Fort Irwin, Calif.
 
Known for its tough and uncompromising standards, the 11th ACR, “the Blackhorse Regiment,” is widely respected as the best Opposing Force in the world.  The famous regiment, which was honored in Tom Clancy’s novel “Executive Orders,” is responsible for ensuring that the United States continues to have the best trained military in the world by serving as the opposing force in simulated conflicts at the Army’s National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin.

The 11th ACR’s new Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry water jet system is operated by the Service & Recovery Section, a support section within the Regiment’s Maintenance Troop, Regimental Support Squadron (RSS).  The 20-soldier section is responsible for machining and welding fabricated parts as well as providing recovery support to the Regiment. In addition to its water jet, the 11th ACR’s shop has CNC milling capability, lathes and welding machines.

“We decided to purchase this equipment specifically to assist in expediting our work requests,” explained Chief Warrant Officer Two Alphonso L. Ash, Jr., who heads the section. “The decision to incorporate the water jet into our shop operations was based solely on our daily workload as the water jet has helped to expedite our work requests; the water jet also allows our section to fabricate parts that have a long shipping date and/or high cost which has increased our operational readiness.”

The water jet is being used primarily to cut metals ranging from aluminum to armored steel with a thickness from 1/8 inch to 3 inches, CW2(P) Ash noted. Previously the soldiers had been cutting these by hand with a plasma torch, oxy-acetylene torches and shear. 

“The water jet is unique because parts can be created using the computer-based software (SigmaNEST®) and cut out after the part has been built,” CW2(P) Ash continued.  “Also, the part can be handled immediately following the cut without having concern for heat as in the OXY/Acetylene or plasma torch.”

Within the first month of installation, the section had already built numerous parts with its Jet Edge including battery shims, transmission shifting linkages, electrical covers, ornamental fixtures, and spanner wrenches, he noted.

“I have found that this system has been an excellent and valuable asset to our shop as I have recommended this piece of equipment to many of my peers as part of their shop setup,” CW2(P) Ash commented.

Jet Edge President Jude Lague expressed Jet Edge’s great pride in being selected as the 11th ACR’s water jet systems manufacturer.

“We are truly honored that the 11th ACR chose a Jet Edge water jet system,” Lague said.  “It is humbling to have our equipment selected by the U.S. Army’s premier regiment.  If you look into their history, it’s absolutely amazing because they were involved in so many of the world’s historic events during the past 100+ years.  We are so proud to be part of their future.”

About the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment
Since 1901, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment has proudly served the Nation in times of peace and conflict. The 11th ACR’s unique mission is vital to the readiness of the U.S. Army.

Our Mission:

• -Our number one priority is to ensure we continue to have the best trained military in the world.
• We are the best Opposing Force in the world. Training against an uncooperative opponent is critical for today’s military.
• 11th ACR trains the force of the future; the 11th ACR must continually develop a variety of capabilities focused on the Soldier and small unit capabilities with the intent of making the U.S. Army's formations more flexible, adaptable and lethal.
• 11th ACR trains deploying forces to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s uncertain conflicts.
• It’s imperative that we remain focused on tough, demanding training here to ensure that our Soldiers and units sustain their combat edge.
• Our enemies constantly adapt to our tactics and equipment, so we must continually modernize and refine the way we fight to keep our combat edge.
• American families can count on the NTC to provide the very best training possible to ensure Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) are trained and capable to meet the needs of our nation.
• Fort Irwin provides Warriors a place to hone their skills and war fighting.
• The NTC will continue to lead our training to meet 21st Century challenges.
• The NTC is at the centerpiece of our Army’s transition; setting the conditions for future success for our nation’s force of decisive action.
• The NTC replicates the tough, realistic operational environment that America’s war fighters face; our training is relevant and quickly adaptable to emerging threats.

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).

More Information
For more information about the 11th ACR, visit its web page on http://www.irwin.army.mil.
For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com, or call 1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343).