FOCUS ON WATERJET CUTTING
THE WATER MARGIN
We highlight a selection of the latest new waterjet cutting systems , technologies and processes for sheet metal manufacturers .
“ The cold cutting process eliminates the risk of melting , tearing , hardening or deformation of the material being cut .”
According to new analysis from Technavio , the waterjet cutting machine market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.52 % between 2022 and 2027 . The market size is forecast to increase by US $ 432.08 million .
Waterjet cutting technology is gaining traction among various industries owing to its versatility in cutting a variety of materials including flammable , composites , glass and metals . The machine uses pure water or a mixture of water and abrasive material as a cutting media to cut up to 10-inch-thick steel plates . Waterjet cutting systems can efficiently accommodate product runs of all sizes ( including prototype runs ) and can be configured with multiple heads , working simultaneously to increase output .
The cold cutting process eliminates the risk of melting , tearing , hardening or deformation of the material being cut . The technology provides precision on contoured shapes ; a smooth edge with no bevel as well as no heat-affected zone and no dross . It creates finished parts that require no secondary clean-up or machining . The absence of heat and dust creates an environmentally friendly working environment with minimal material waste , low water consumption and flexibility . The process generates no noxious fumes during the cutting process and requires no cooling or lubricating oils .
The introduction of five-axis cutting heads means that waterjets are now able to produce continuous bevels , revolve around the workpiece and cut at angles from 0-90 degrees . Robotic waterjet cells ; 3D cutting ; nano jet cutting and micro waterjet cutting are examples of new advances that will help to expand the market for waterjet cutting . Rising diversity in material utilisation and the expanding presence of small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) in the metal fabrication sector have also amplified the requirement for smaller waterjet cutting machines .
Waterjet cutting systems can efficiently accommodate product runs of all sizes ( including prototype runs ) and can be configured with multiple heads , working simultaneously to increase output
In this article , we highlight a selection of the latest new and innovative waterjet technologies and products for sheet metal manufacturers , in alphabetical order .
Image : Shutterstock . com .
Innovation in focus
AAG ( AXYZ Automation Group ) offers abrasive waterjet cutting systems that include the X-Series waterjet with the APEX 60 five-axis cutting head and the A-Series small-format waterjet . Last year marked the 30th anniversary of AAG . Its water-only series systems are the H-series , L-series and J-series .
Key attributes of the Apex-60 include
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