Innovative CNC-based precision water jet cutting machine provides 1 micron accuracy

Many of the new product fabrication materials introduced over the past few years react negatively to the effects of heat during machining. However, using a jet of water to perform the cutting operation ensures that the material structure remains unchanged; furthermore, the technique can be used on virtually any type of material – even foodstuffs, providing they are not water soluble. In the light of this, MDC Max Daetwyler, Waterjet and NUM chose to combine their expertise to jointly develop a water jet cutting machine specifically for precision materials processing.

The new WOMAJET/microWATERJET machine provides a stable, precise and repeatable manufacturing process capable of creating complex contours – it can handle land widths as narrow as 20 microns (0.02 mm). The machine uses a very high precision water jet, with a diameter of less than 300 microns, and can cut materials at a rate of up to 4000 mm per minute. All three of the machine’s axes are driven by NUMDrive C servos; these have a very high power density, which helps minimise the size of the control cabinet. Overall control of the machine is handled by a NUM Flexium CNC system, equipped with a NUM FS152i HMI for operator input commands.

The WOMAJET/microWATERJET cutting machine can accommodate an exceptionally diverse range of materials. These include biocompatible materials for medical applications, Kevlar, carbon- and glass-fibre materials such as those used in the automotive industry, and the type of specialised materials and laminates used in the aircraft and aerospace industries. In each case, all cutting operations are performed with no degradation to the materials’ characteristics or properties. One unusual application that is already generating considerable interest is for cutting precision components for the watch-making industry – mechanical watches from prestigious Swiss manufacturers are currently enjoying a renaissance.

The new cutting machine can be seen in action at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS 2010) in Chicago, which runs from September 13 to 18. It will have pride of place on the Daetwyler Corporation booth – number N-6240 in the Alternative Manufacturing Processes Pavilion.