After being approached by a customer to build an ultra high speed, high tolerance, water only cutting system with 5-axis capability WARDJet’s engineering team designed the L-Series. It has repeatability to the micron level, includes self-loading and unloading capability and can run multiple 5-axis cutting heads.
Many customers had water only cutting applications for soft materials, rubber, foam, specialized packaging, insulation, sound reduction, flooring (linoleum. While the required speed and high accuracy are achievable by either linear motion or belt drive, we use linear motion control since it is renowned for excellent accuracies, placement repeatability, and reliability.
The frame of the L-Series is extremely robust, made of thick walled steel tubing which is then heat stress relieved. The linear rails and magnets are mounted onto precision machined surfaces with beefed up plates on top of the support. A sturdy design is important to be able to accommodate the multiple 5-axis cutting heads. Finite element analysis is used to check the structural strength, deflection, loads, and torque of the various parts and components both when stationary and in full motion.
The linear motors allow speeds to be achieved upwards of 2,500 inches per minute or, more impressively, over 40 inches per second, with acceleration parameters up to 0.5 Gs. The linear encoder scale can be specified to accuracies of 1 micron, but generally 5 microns suffice.
In addition to the motion requirements, a cutting table was needed to keep up with the high production capacity of the machine. A self-loading mechanical table was integrated into the system to help feed material from the back to the front of the machine, making it more efficient and ergonomic. The cutting table can communicate with the control system to feed material upon completion of cuts to reduce set up time by automatically loading and unloading which increases operator efficiency.
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What makes the L-Series unique? It is controlled by the WARDJet X-Series controller and has the ability to run multiple 5-axis cutting heads simultaneously.
If additional cutting capacity is needed in the future, cutting heads can be added due to the modular design which can be found in all WARDJet waterjet machines.
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The high pressure tubing that delivers the water to the cutting heads is plumbed to minimize failure while operating at high speeds.
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The stainless steel conveyor belt on the table will be long-lasting in the water only cutting environment. The three part tank consists of a steel frame and base with a stainless steel pan lining the inside to prevent wear and rusting.
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WARDJet offers 2 main controllers with their waterjets, the X-Classic, and the XL
WARDJet provides you with four different grating options; each one is specific to a different application.
WARDJet offers a full range of reliable and efficient waterjet intensifier pumps for every application.
Choose the options and accessories you need to get the job done.
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