Waterjet cutting is a method used for processing parts in high density materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, titanium and carbon composites.
The Fine Abrasive Waterjet (FAWJ) cutting process bridges the gap between micro laser and electrical discharge machining cutting and brings water jet cutting into the field of micro part processing.
Water Jet Sweden asserts that its NCM 10 Micro FAWJ fulfils the following requirements for precision cutting:
- A cutting head and cutting process for FAWJ cutting
- A machine built for maximum accuracy
FAWJ Cutting Process for 0.2 mm Incisions
The company’s micro waterjet cutting head is a high precision cutting tool which it states can produce precise abrasive water jets. The cutting head enables an abrasive jet diameter down to 0.2 mm. The FAWJ cutting process requires very fine abrasives of 230-240 mesh and a special computer numerical controlled dosage abrasive feeder.
Machine Table Designed for ± 0.008 Accuracy
The water jet has a number of design features aimed at creating a rigid table that withstands temperature fluctuations, such as:
- Mineral casting bearlit table frame - a stiff table made of a composite material aimed to withstand vibrations and temperature fluctuations. The frame is integrated with the machine construction and motion system, as a complete unit.
- Rubber suspended stainless steel water catcher - the free-standing catcher is designed to prevent vibrations and temperature variations.
- Renishaw Invar scale in X and Y - a micro-meter scale with a low expansion coefficient and ultrahigh resolution.
Prepared for Various Kinds of Fixtures
The palettised cutting table is designed to facilitate the installation fixtures and presses for different types of machining and it is fixed into the table frame to enable ultrahigh precision cutting.