Waterjet Enables Efficient Machining

The 5555 JetMachining center from Omax is suited for a range of production runs, prototype development and just-in-time manufacturing. It is designed to speed turnaround of precision parts without tool changes or complex fixturing. The abrasive waterjet machine is said to cut smooth surface finishes, eliminating the need for secondary machining.

The cantilever-style machine features a completely sealed and protected ballscrew drive system and offers accuracy of motion as tight as ±0.003". It can machine complex parts out of a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, glass, ceramics, stone and composites, directly from a CAD drawing or DXF file. Its 10 ft. 11" × 7 ft. 11" footprint is designed for space-challenged facilities. X-Y cutting travel measures 4 ft. 7" × 4 ft. 7"

The waterjet is equipped with the Intelli-Max software suite, which is designed to precisely calculate the velocity of a tool path at more than 2,000 points per inch, enabling control over the machine’s motion and increasing accuracy and speed. Additionally, the software automates most programming and tool setup, virtually eliminating the need for extensive operator training, the company says.

The EnduroMax pump is available in 30-, 40-, 50-, 60-, 70-, 80- or 100-hp models with pressures ranging to 60,000 psi. The Tilt-A-Jet cutting head is designed to achieve virtually zero taper with most materials when precision cutting parts with square, taper-free edges, including interlocking pieces and dovetail fittings. Through its controller software, the cutting head can automatically calculate and adjust the angle of the nozzle to accurately offset the natural taper from the jet stream and transfer it to the scrap part of the material—all while maintaining high cutting rates, the company says.