KMT to promote ultra-high pressure waterjet cutting at EMO

STREAMLINE PRO is available in two performance classes – 45 kW and 93 kW. At 6,200 bar, the machines offer volumetric flow rates of 2.8 l/min and 5.4 l/min respectively, both of which allow single- or multi-head cutting.

Motor power has not changed significantly, but by increasing pressure and decreasing nozzle diameter, the energy density available for cutting is greater than before. Advantages of 6,200 bar for high-end abrasive water jet machining are particularly noticeable when processing thick materials. Cutting speed can be increased by over 50 per cent when processing stainless steel and at least doubled for aluminium.

The amount of abrasive consumed is lower, as although flow rate of the garnet sand into the nozzle is 20 per cent higher by volume, this is more than offset by the shorter cycle times. The latter also lead to decreased consumption of electricity and water.

Furthermore, high operating pressure allows a finer orifice to be used and results in a smaller kerf, reduces the taper angle and improves the quality of cut edges, often eliminating the need for finishing or reworking.

Taking reduced operator overheads into account as well as higher productivity, the lower cost per cut leads to rapid amortisation of investment in a 6,200 bar cutting system. Peter Longman, KMT's area manager for the UK, says that 30 PRO pumps were sold worldwide last year, following their introduction in January 2010, whereas 60 were sold in the first half of 2011 alone.

When developing the new PRO models, easy and quick maintenance was one of the key priorities. The modular design allows rapid replacement of individual wear parts whenever the need arises. An all- metal seal in the dual, phase-shifted intensifiers gives extra-long life at extended pressures. The few wear parts in the high-pressure abrasive cutting heads can be easily exchanged, without the need for tools. All of the KMT PRO intensifiers can be networked together to give a constant supply of high pressure water to multiple tables or an array of cutting heads.

KMT prides itself on the high level of after-sales service provided to customers worldwide, which it believes differentiates it from its competitors.