Waterjet Cutting an Aluminum Bat - See What's Inside an Aluminum Bat!

In this video, we dissect an aluminum softball bat to see what's inside.  We're waterjet cutting it at 75,000 psi!

Visit www.jetedge.com or call 1.800.JET.EDGE (538-3343) to find out how Jet Edge can help your business solve its manufacturing challenges.

Waterjet Cutting Bevels for Weld Preparation Increases Productivity and Saves Money

By David Arthur
Jet Edge, Inc.

Weld preparation can be a difficult and time consuming operation on thick or exotic materials.  Weld preparation on arcs or angular contours can present even more of a labor and capital intensive issue.  

Prep angles produced by thermal cutting processes require a secondary operation such as grinding or machining to remove slag and / or the Heat Affected Zone ( HAZ ) before welding.   Each of these operations require material handling time, which is sometimes a large variable in the cost of production, ultimately increasing turnaround time while decreasing efficiency and profit.

Fig. 1  Cuts can easily be defined to create
different bevel profiles via parametric
data added to 2D geometry.  

All of these issues can be alleviated with the addition of Jet Edge’s X-5 five axis water jet system.  The X-5 is capable of producing +/- 50 degree bevels in a multitude of configurations (See Fig 1.) on virtually any geometry.

Since the water jet cut is a “cold” supersonic grinding process it produces no slag or HAZ resulting in a fully prepped, finished part in one operation.   In addition, the cold cutting process does not produce any micro-cracking, recast layer or any change whatsoever in the material characteristics.  

No smoke or fumes are produced during the process, including chromium smoke from stainless steel,  making OSHA compliance a much easier task.  

Finished part tolerances are such that fitting operations become significantly more repeatable and consistent , which ultimately results in additional labor savings. 

   

With a 12” Z axis travel, thick materials can be processed in one setup saving significant time and production cost.  Laser material mapping and contact surface sensing features are available to accommodate uneven material and the relieving of the material during the cutting process.  The IGEMS CAD/CAM software makes adding bevel features quick and simple.   

In addition to beveling, the EDGE X-5 5-axis waterjet system can produce virtually taper free cuts utilizing the Taper Angle Control (TAC) function.  Thanks to the extensive tech table contained in the IGEMS CAD/CAM software, the EDGE X-5 can compensate for the inherent taper created by the water jet cutting process.  This allows the end user to choose any edge quality and create taper free parts.   The tech table is user definable giving the operator / programmer the ability to change the characteristics of the TAC data for any material as well as create and edit new materials based on individual need.   The new IGEMS TubeCut module adds the capability for cutting features into pipe / tube making the X-5 a powerful tool for any fabrication facility.

The X-5 offers the same rigid, fully supported gantry design as other Jet Edge waterjet motion systems.  It is entirely ball screw driven with top quality motion components, Rexroth AC servo motors and drives, all controlled with a rugged industrial PC designed to withstand any demanding production schedule.  A standard handheld pendant allows the operator the freedom to control the system from any point around the machine. 

With sheet metal enclosures and filtered blowers on each axis to ensure that no environmental contaminants reach the ball screws or ways, the EDGE X-5 is configured for longevity, reliability and low total cost of ownership. 

To complement the EDGE X-5 waterjet system,  Jet Edge offers a full line of UHP intensifier pumps from 30 horsepower to 200 horsepower, 60,000 or 75,000 PSI.  All tie-rod intensifier construction and a patented seal design assure minimal maintenance and maximum up time. 

Contact us today and let a Jet Edge Sales Representative tailor a solution for your business to increase your efficiency and profits while decreasing your turnaround time.  

Information Request Form
sales@jetedge.com
1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343)
+1 763-497-8700

About the Author

Based in Atlanta, David Arthur is Jet Edge’s Southeast and South Central regional manager.  

Water Will Cut Virtually Anything...Including Taxes!

Did you discover that you need some more tax write offs?

Jet Edge may be able to help you out for next year!

The government is offering huge tax breaks for small businesses to make capital equipment purchases.  Section 179 was made permanent this year, and bonus depreciation has been extended.

That makes it a great time to invest in a new waterjet system!

We'd love to help you make - and keep - more money.  Contact us today to find out how Jet Edge waterjets can help your business.

Read More

Wow, How'd You Make That? Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Your Water Jet Cutting Machine!

Take a Walk on Your Wild Side today and cut something extraordinary with your Jet Edge water jet cutting machine.

This amazing bed was water jet cut by PIW Corp. in Illinois.

Read PIW Corp's Jet Edge success story.

Reach as High as You Can with Jet Edge Waterjets

It's National Reach as High as You Can Day!  Today, Jet Edge honors our many customers who took the risk to realize their dream of starting their own water jet shops.

One great example is Jose Luis Arce, who started Arro-Jet Engineering and Consulting in 2007 after working for many years as a waterjet operator. Today the Camarillo, California, water jet shop continues to thrive as a result of Jose's commitment to quality and tremendous work ethic.  Most recently, he has been working almost nonstop cutting engine cover components for Boeing.

Read story in MetalForming Magazine.

Watch the video:

Meet Jet Edge Water Jet Parts and Service Department Mascot 'Azure' the Betta

Happy National Pet Day - a full day dedicated to celebrating our best buddies!

Did you know that Jet Edge has a mascot?  Chances are you've walked right by him if you've visited our waterjet parts and service department.  Azure the Betta likes to hang out behind his plants, but if you catch him at just the right time, you'll see his beautiful blue coloring as he swims by.

At Jet Edge, we love all of our pets - dogs, cats, horses, birds and more - and will be treating them to an extra snack, a game of fetch and a long walk tonight after work.

If don't have a pet, today would be a great day to adopt one and give it a good home.

Enjoy your day!

Water Quality Requirements for UHP Water Jet Systems

Water quality is very important to the success of your waterjet cutting operation. Poor water quality can dramatically reduce the lifespan of waterjet components such as seals, orifices and check valves, eating into your profits and productivity.

Before you install a water jet system, have your water tested by a commercial company that specializes in water filtration.  If your water does not meet the water quality requirements for waterjet systems, they can advise you on how to properly filter it.

See Jet Edge's waterjet system water quality requirements.

Jet Edge EDGE X-5 5-axis waterjet system at Gulf Machine Shop in Lake Charles, LA.

Illinois Fabrication Shop Thrives Through Craftsmanship, Innovation

MillerCoors building staircase. Courtesy PIW Corp.

You knew we wouldn't let National Beer Day pass without finding some connection to Jet Edge waterjet systems!

Our customer PIW Corp. in Illinois is known for their incredible craftsmanship and innovation.  If you need something, and can't find it, PIW can most likely custom fabricate it for you.

PIW waterjet cut this gorgeous staircase for the MillerCoors building in Chicago.

Read PIW's Jet Edge success story

Integrating UHP Water Jet Into Robotics

It's National Robotics Week - a full week celebrating the amazing advances in robotic technology and automation.

Jet Edge UHP water jet technology can be integrated into robotics.  In fact, a Jet Edge-powered robotic waterjet may have cut the carpet, headliner and trunk liner of your car.

Alliance Automation, LLC, has integrated Jet Edge waterjet intensifier pumps into its 6-axis robotic trimming cells.  Read their story.

Contact Jet Edge

Before You Buy a Water Jet System, It's a Good Idea to Visit the Manufacturer

You've decided to buy a water jet system to increase your productivity, banish HAZ and slag, and rid your shop of those nasty plasma fumes. What a great decision!

So now what?

You can check out the waterjet machines at FABTECH and visit some waterjet shops to see their systems, but you also should consider visiting your waterjet manufacturer and meeting the people who will build your machine and service your equipment.

Jet Edge would love to have you in for a visit to our manufacturing facility in St. Michael, MN, US.A  (that's right - U.S.A.!).  If you decide to buy a Jet Edge waterjet system, we'll even reimburse the cost of your flight up to $1,000 U.S.

Contact your regional Jet Edge representative today to set up a tour.

We hope to see you soon!  Here's a map to help you find your way:

Hand-Held Pendant Gives Water Jet System Operators Freedom to Walk Around

If you're tired of being glued to your waterjet system's controller, get a Jet Edge waterjet system with AquaVision Di control.

The AquaVision Di comes with a full-featured hand-held pendant that gives water jet system operators the freedom to walk around and inspect their work while maintaining full control of their waterjet machine.

Find Out More