FOCUS ON WATERJET
Radius Aerospace Hot Springs , AR , facility
Activity : The manufacture of sheet metal parts and assemblies using a wide range of metalforming techniques and special manufacturing processes .
Facility size : 359,000 square feet
Key products : Sheet metal parts including skins ; leading edges ; doors ; longerons ; webs ; formers ; covers and ribs .
WJS production manager Pär Rosenquist ( left ) managing the test process .
Sub-assembly items ( forming and chemical milling ): Skin assemblies ; door assemblies ; panel assemblies ; skid tubes ; cross tubes ; fairings ; elevators ; stabilisers ; console assemblies and floor beam assemblies .
Focus on waterjet
Radius Aerospace has used waterjet technology for many years and is continuously improving its production processes . The company decided to investigate new application areas for waterjet cutting and contacted Water Jet Sweden , a Swedish waterjet specialist , in early 2022 . A dialogue started on how to optimise a machine design to best support its ideas , based on the FiveX , a 3D waterjet cutting system from Water Jet Sweden .
“ Since both our companies have complementary area of expertise , the specification of a machine like this is always a joint effort ,” explained Christian Svensson , U . S . Sales Manager , Water Jet Sweden .
“ When it comes to a FiveX machine , the size , features and fixtures are bespoke to fit the customer ’ s application and area of usage .
Before Summer 2022 , we agreed how to design the set-up and the machine order was placed . In December 2022 , the new machine was ready for delivery and it was time for a thorough two-day FAT ( Factory Acceptance Test ),” he continued .
The FAT was successful and , in early 2023 , the new machine will be installed at the Radius Aerospace facility in Hot Springs , Arkansas , USA .
“ It is key for us to meet customers ’ expectations . There should be no problems or questions left when the machine leaves our production hall ,” added Christian Svensson . “ Securing machine performance before delivery is standard procedure for us .”
Abrasive waterjet cutting
“ FiveX abrasive waterjet cutting machines are commonly used in high-tech industry
Certifications : AS9100 and NADCAP .
Core capabilities : Engineering ; sheet metal fabrication ; assembly ; Aluminium stretch form and hydro form ; Titanium SPF and hot forming ; chemical milling ; metal processing ; five-axis CNC routing .
The FiveX abrasive waterjet cutting machine from WJS .
ISMR May 2023 | ismr . net | 49