Archive for the ‘CNC Water Jet’ Category

Originally posted 2008-02-13 03:09:49. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Originally posted 2007-10-24 03:07:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Water jet cutting machines feature a programmable bevel head that allows angled cuts of +/-45 deg, while plasma-arc stations and drilling heads with automatic tool change can be added

A number of MicroStep waterjet cutting machines are already in use in a variety of different UK markets, reported MicroStep UK. Each is equipped with intensifiers supplied by KMT waterjet systems and all future sales will include a KMT pump as standard. Sales manager at MicroStep, George said: ‘KMT Waterjet Systems provide extremely high quality and reliable pumps and help to achieve the maximum waterjet cutting performance.

Furthermore the company is both innovative in terms of new product development and provides excellent customer service’.

The standard MicroStep waterjet cutting machine range covers cutting width 1.5m to 3.5m and cutting length 3m to 18m.

Special orders can be taken from customers wishing machines outside this range.

All machines are based on a precision engineered and compact framed construction and are optimally adjusted to waterjet cutting purposes for materials as diverse as metal, stone, marble, armoured glass, ceramics, plastics, corrugated cardboard, foamed material, as well as sandwich materials.

* Innovation – the machines offer some highly innovative features.

These include the following.

* A programmable bevel head that allows angled cuts of +/-45 deg.

* Additional plasma-arc cutting stations.

* Drilling heads with automatic tool change.

* Camera system to take templates into the CNC or nesting systems.

There is also the facility for remote servicing with modem/internet access that allows full machine diagnostics to be undertaken.

This can eliminate the need for site service visits and cut drastically the time that does have to be spent on-site when visits are needed.

On-line technical support is also provided by MicroStep UK.

* About MicroStep – MicroStep UK has now been established in the UK to market the company’s ranges of Aquacut and Watercut CNC waterjet cutting machines.

The company is based in Coventry and has been formed through an agreement between the directors of Matrix Lasers, who have been users of MicroStep machines for a number of years, and the MicroStep parent company in Slovakia.

The new company has also appointed George Tudor, who has vast experience in the profiling industry, as UK sales manager.

 New OMAX® 60120 JetMachining® Center Offers Large Scale Precision

Versatile precision abrasive waterjet offers unmatched flexibility to machine shops

Kent, Washington, December 3, 2007 – The new 60120 JetMachining® Center is the latest addition to OMAX® Corporation’s line of precision abrasive waterjets. The large format machine is ideal for quick and accurate cutting of larger or multiple parts from stock up to 5′ x 10′ (1.5m x 3m).

An innovative traction drive makes the 60120 one of the most accurate large format machines in the OMAX line of JetMachining Centers. The traction drive achieves its high accuracy by closing a positioning loop with linear encoders in the same manner as a linear motor. The result is a robust and reliable system that is well-suited to harsh environments and requires little maintenance. In addition, the traction drive of the 60120 enables faster traverse speeds, which can greatly reduce the throughput times when machining multiple and nested parts.

The OMAX 60120 employs a bridge style Y-Axis design that allows the cutting head to move past the catcher tank for unobstructed loading of materials. Like all OMAX JetMachining Centers, the 60120 has the ability to cut a wide variety of materials, including ceramics, composites, plastic, glass and stone, as well as metals like aluminum, tool steel, stainless steel, mild steel and titanium with an accuracy of motion up to .003".

The 60120 comes standard with OMAX Corporation’s patented "Compute First – Move Later" motion control technology, which incorporates Windows® XP software. The system can calculate the velocity of a tool path at over 2,000 points per inch, allowing for complete control over the motion of an abrasivejet, and enabling precise, rapid machining. Other standard features of the 60120 include a durable abrasive feed system, MAXJET® 5 Diamond Nozzle Assembly and an ultra-high pressure direct drive pump.

The 60120 offers substantial productivity gains by eliminating the need for tool changes and complex fixturing, reducing setup times by up to 50% over traditional cutting methods. Its fast cutting speed, combined with minimal set up times, maximizes a user’s flexibility and productivity.

Like all OMAX products, the 60120 JetMachining Center comes with the OMAX Technology Guarantee, which provides free software updates to existing customers for the life of the machine.

About OMAX
Headquartered in Kent, Washington, OMAX® Corporation is the leading manufacturer of precision abrasive waterjet systems. Each OMAX JetMachining® system is powered by the company’s innovative control software, bringing affordable abrasivejet technology to an expanding and diverse group of industries, particularly including the machine shop environment. For more information on OMAX products and accessories, contact Sandra McLain at 800-838-0343 or visit www.omax.com.

CAD (Computer-aided design)
Geometry authoring tool that involves software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modellers.

CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing)
Considered as an NC programming tool wherein 3D models of components generated in CAD software are used to generate CNC code to drive numerical controlled machine tools

CNC (computer numerical control)
Refers specifically to a computer "controller" that reads G-code instructions and drives the machine tool.

CAD/CAM part programming
The computer calculation and creation of a toolpath based on part geometry information created in CAD.

Canned cycle
A predetermined machining sequence used to simplify programming.

Data
Information processed as the basis for calculations.

Database
Computer storage that holds data and is searchable

Detail Drawing
A drawing of a part giving a complete and exact description of its form, dimensions, and construction

Dimension
The desired measurement of a part

Documentation
A CAD process in which a part design is converted to a computer file or hard copy for reference and storage purposes.

Drawing Exchange Format
DXF. A standard storage format for personal computer-based CAD/CAM platforms

Driver
That portion of the electronic package that receives the stepping sequence from the translator and provides the switching of the windings in the stepper motor.

G-Code
Common name for the programming language that controls NC and CNC machine tools

Geometric Modeling
A modeling process in which a designer creates lines and text that represents the shape of a desired part. Geometric modeling is the first step in CAD.

Geometry
The measurement, properties, and relationships of the lines and points of an object that make up its shape

M Code
A code used to signal an action from a miscellaneous group of commands. M codes change cutting tools, turn on or turn off the coolant, spindle, or work piece clamps, etc.

Machine Control Data
Manufacturing instructions defined in CAM and enacted on a CNC machine.

Machine Control Unit
A small, powerful computer that controls and operates a CNC machine

Machine Tool
Powered mechanical device, typically used to fabricate metal components of machines by machining

Machining
The selective removal of metal or material

Numerical Control
The use of computers and special program instructions to execute the sequence of machining operations to make a part.

Part Program
A series of numerical instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific work piece.

Personal Computer
PC. A computer designed for an individual user and commercial software. Desktops, laptops, and notebook computers are PCs.

Plotter
A large printer used to print blueprints. These output devices support vector graphics, unlike dot matrix and laser printers.

Post Processor
A software link in the CAD/CAM chain that communicates instructions from CAM to a CNC machine

Preliminary Blueprint
A design representing the rough dimensions of a specific part

Primitives or Primitive
Basic shapes such as cubes, spheres, cylinders, blocks, and cones that are combined in solid modeling to create a model of a part.

Prototype
The original test model of a part

Raster Image
A form of graphics in which closely spaced rows of dots form an image on a computer screen. Also known as bit-mapped graphics.

Ramping
The process of controlling the pulse frequency to accelerate or decelerate a stepper motor. Ramping increases the ability to drive larger loads at greater speeds by slowing the first series of pulses allowing the motor to overcome inertial loads and reduces overshooting by slowing the motor down more gradually than an unramped motor.

Scanner
A computer device that converts hard copy drawings into digital form

Software
The coded instructions, formulas, and operations that structure the actions of a computer

Solid Modeling
A type of geometric modeling based on solids in which all visible surfaces of a part are shown. In addition, solid modeling describes interior volume, mass, and weight.

Sub-Program
Acting as a part programming shortcut, a part program sequence that is called on as needed. Also called a subroutine.

Surface Modeling
A type of geometric modeling based on geometry only, in which all visible surfaces of a part are shown regardless of volume definition.

Step Angle
The angular increment the motor shaft will turn each time the windings (coils) are energized. The angle is specified in degrees. For a 200 step per revolution motor the step angle will be 1.8 degrees.

Step per revolution
The total number of steps to rotate the motor shaft 360 degrees. For CNC, 200 or 400 steps per revolution are usually used.

Stepper motor
A device that translates electrical pulses into precise mechanical movement. The output shaft may deliver rotary or linear motion.

Title Block
A portion of a blueprint that contains information such as the company name, part name, part number, designer, scale, and material.

Tolerance
A blueprint specification indicating an unwanted but acceptable deviation from a given dimension

Toolpath
The series of coordinate positions that determine the movement of a tool during a machining operation.

Translator
An electronic device that converts pulses into the correct switching sequence, which will operate the motor one step for each pulse received.

Unipolar
A bifilar wound motor. The current flows only in one direction through each winding. Normally there are two winding per bobbin and eight bobbins per motor. Usually is a 5, 6 or eight wire motor. One or more common leads are used per winding. Has less torque than a bipolar stepper motor but is simpler to drive. Bipolar stepper motor- just two windings. The electronic controls reverse the current alternately between the coils. This motor has more torque but requires more electronic controls.

Vector Graphics
A form of graphics that uses geometric formulas to represent images. Vector graphic images are more easily manipulated than raster graphics when dealing with CNC.

Wire Frame Modeling
A type of geometric modeling in which the edges of a part are represented by solid lines

Working Drawing
A drawing of a part providing data for manufacturing

X-Axis
An axis that is left or right. All movement left of a zero point is minus (-X), all movement right of the zero point is plus (+X).

Y-axis
An axis that is at right angles to the X-axis and intersect the zero point of the X-axis. All movement further away from the zero point is plus (+Y). All movement closer than the zero point is minus (-Y).

Z-axis
An axis that is vertically perpendicular to the X-Y zero point. All movement above the zero point is positive (+Z) while all movement below the zero point is (-Z).

Here is a cool story I came across that has everything to do with CNC and Halloween.  Here is a unique use of the technology.

World’s fastest Pumpkin carving: Halloween pumpkin carving tradition slashed to 30 seconds flat

FRASER, MICHIGAN   October 28, 2007

(PRLEAP.COM) Halloween is this week. Have you carved the pumpkins yet? A company in Fraser, Michigan has come up with a novel way to quickly make pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. By using CNC waterjets they have turned the tradition of spending hours carving pumpkins into an activity that takes a fraction of a minute. Yes, it is a bit ridiculous but the pumpkins look really cool.

“Actually, my kids came up with the idea.” said Tom Monroe, Jr., of FluidCut, a waterjet cutting service, “They always see the amazing things we cut with the waterjet so they asked me to use it for their pumpkins. We cut everything from cutting glass sculptures for artists to armor for military tanks. Cutting pumpkins isn’t a problem.”

Using a water to cut food is nothing new. Much of the packaged food you find in the grocery store is cut with ultra high-pressure waterjets. However, carving the pumpkins with the waterjet does have its difficulties. The water is so powerful it cuts through both sides of the pumpkin. There are tricks that FluidCut uses to alleviate that problem.

Waterjets use ultra-high pressure water to cut almost any material. When cutting hard materials like copper, glass, or granite tile, an abrasive is added to the water. The most commonly used abrasive is the mineral garnet. Monroe said for pumpkin carving only water is needed.

Carving the pumpkins with the waterjet allows FluidCut to cut designs that are not possible with a knife. The kids’ favorite is the Homer Simpson jack-o-lantern, because the eyes and tongue are cut in a continuous spiral so it looks like they are popping out of Homer’s head. Adults seem to like the pumpkins with portraits of classic Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean cut into them. You can see more pictures of the extreme pumpkin carving at the Halloween link at www.FluidCut.com.

The machine can carve pumpkins in seconds, but Monroe said he has to get back to work cutting other things like marble floor inlays and aluminum machine parts for his customers. Carving pumpkins with the waterjet does make some amazing jack-o-lanterns for Halloween but Monroe added he still is going to take an hour or two to carve some pumpkins at the kitchen table. “No matter how fast I can cut them on the waterjet, or how cool they look, I’m not about to give up the tradition of carving them the old fashioned way with my friends and family.”

Contact Information

Tom Monroe
FluidCut
Email FluidCut
1-586-293-9100

By Staff | October 2007

When Plasti-Fab Inc. (Tualatin, Ore.), a manufacturer of corrosion-resistant equipment for water and wastewater treatment and control, landed a contract to cut hundreds of circles out of 8,000-lb/3,629-kg, 1-inch/25 mm thick rectangular fiberglass plates, the company needed an efficient cutting solution. Tests with a handheld router yielded poor results: “It was taking us about a week to do 28 holes,” says Plasti-Fab’s CNC supervisor, Wade Oxford. When he determined that CNC routers would not be fast enough, the company turned to abrasive waterjet cutting, but faced a two-fold challenge: find a waterjet manufacturer capable of building the 14-ft by 28-ft (4.27m by 8.53m) table needed for the application and, because shop space was limited, a system that could be operated outdoors. Jet Edge (St. Michael, Minn.) got the nod because its Mid Rail Gantry system could accommodate the table size with a floor-mounted rack and pinion drive-rail motion system manufactured by ALLtra Corp. (Dewey, Okla.) combined with waterjet cutting components manufactured by Jet Edge.

Plasti-Fab installed the system under a steel awning equipped with a hoist, then added a swimming pool heater and retractable solar blanket to the waterjet tank to keep the water between 68°F and 74°F (20°C and 23°C) year-round, Oxford explains. Plates are moved into position, using the hoist and two forklifts, in about half an hour. The Permalign II abrasive cutting head, powered by Jet Edge’s 50-hp iP60-50 intensifier pump, uses a 0.040-inch/1.02-mm diameter nozzle at 50,000 psi, cutting at a rate of 65 inches/min (165.2 cm/sec). While Jet Edge waterjets can hold a positional accuracy of 0.005 inch with a repeatability of ±0.002 inch (±0.05 mm) over the entire work surface, for this project the waterjet is required to maintain a tolerance within 0.0625 inch/1.59 mm over 24 ft/7.32m — possible, in part, thanks to the machine’s automated control system. Reports Oxford, “Now we can complete one plate, or 212 holes, in four hours.”

For more information about Jet Edge and its products, visit www.compositesworld.com/showroom/6327.

CNC refers to the computer controls of a machine. With the help of a program code, it will be easier to replicate same parts. It is a great innovation in the field of manufacturing that makes mass production more efficient and practical. That is why companies, large or small, must exert effort to find a CNC machine that will best suit their needs.

Here are some tips on how you can get the best CNC machines.

- Buy and choose with the help of buyers representative. A buyers representative has been made to cater to the following needs and give advantages to CNC machine users -

1. To allow users to save time in negotiating

Most people who would buy CNC machines will have to settle with getting quotations from two to three manufacturers to save time and to avoid the hassle of talking to a lot of sales representative.

By asking professional help from someone who knows a lot about CNC machines and manufacturers, you will just coordinate with only one party- the buyers representative. They will be the one who will shoulder all the talking and negotiations for you.

And since they regularly collect updated quotations from the CNC machine manufacturers, it will take lesser time for you to get information regarding the CNC machine of your choice.

2. To check the quality of the products that they are referring to buyers

Buyers representatives exert effort to check that the machines that they will be referring to buyers are of good quality.

3. To offer a large variety of machines from different machine manufacturers

Most people do the common mistake of asking for quotations from the well- known (and expensive) brands in the market when they have the options of buying other brands that are as efficient yet cheaper than the ?mainstream? brands.

Buyers representative offer quotations from less prominent CNC machine manufacturers that has cheaper price as well. In this way, the buyers representative also gives equal playing fields for all CNC machine manufacturers, both in the large- scale and medium scale.

4. To allow buyers opportunities to get the best deal for their money and save some too.

All buyers would like to get the best thing that their money can buy. Also, all buyers would also prefer to save their hard- earned money without sacrificing efficiency and quality. Here are some ways buyers representative can help you save money -

- The buyers representative only charge 5 percent of the cheapest CNC machine that meets the buyers requirements. That is a small price to pay for the assurance that you will get a wonderful CNC machine that will cater to your needs.

- The buyers do not have to settle in buying prominent brands and pay for the brand name. With lesser money to spend, one can get a machine as efficient as the prominent brands.

- By forming buying groups, buyers representative can also negotiate with manufacturing companies to give discounts to prospective buyers.

- With greater competition among the manufacturers, there will be better quality of products and more affordable prices.

- If getting help from buyers representative is not your choice, you can always do it yourself. The general rule in buying CNC machines is to be familiar with all the parts first then everything else will follow.

1. Make sure that the following parts are intact and correctly attached to the CNC machine to ensure the perfect working condition of the machine -

- the safety shield (a plastic that cover that protects the working space),

- the tool or drill bit (the part that does the cutting),

- spindle shaft (the part that holds the tooldrill bit),

- the spindle motor (the part that drives and controls the cutter),

- the vertical or upright column ( holds the pieces together) and

- the control box.

2. Always look for the emergency stop button in your CNC machine. This is to ensure that when an error is made, the machine can be stopped manually to prevent further damages from happening.

3. Big control guides are preferred so it will be easier for user to refer to it. It will also be helpful for operators who have poor eyesight too.

4. The plastic that comprises the shield must be made from sturdy polycarbonate.

About the Author:

For more great cnc related articles and resources check out http://cncinsider.info.

Water jet machining technology involves the use of high-pressure water jets for cutting parts out of different types of material such as soft rubber, foam, extremely thin stuff such as foil, carpet, paper, cardboard, soft gasket material, candy bars, diapers, and soft wood. Its use is limited, as it cannot cut harder materials such as metals, glass, and hard wood.

The water used in water jet machining systems is pressurized between twenty and sixty thousand pounds per square inch (PSI) depending on the type of material being cut. The highly pressurized water is released through a tiny hole called "jewel" which is typically 0.007" to 0.015" in diameter, creating a very high velocity beam of water capable of cutting soft materials.

Water jet machining process is controlled with the help of computer numeric control (CNC) software that guides the water jet nozzle according to the lines and arcs of a computer aided design (CAD) drawing. The CAD drawing is a three dimensional (3D) graphic representation of parts that are to be fabricated. The technology has many advantages such as easy to use components, quick assembly process, reduced turn around time on the machine, complementariness to other machining techniques, and cutting without heating the material.

One major drawback of water jet machining is that the nozzle often gets blocked due to dust particles that might be present in the water. The other problem with water jet assemblies is that they are prone to constant wear and tear caused due to high-pressure water flowing out of tiny nozzles.

These drawbacks are however ignored, as water jets are the most environment friendly and safe machining technology used in the present era. It does not produce fine particles that might get into the human body and cause fatal diseases such as cancer. Particles if any are swept away with the strong force of the water jet and do not pollute the surrounding environment.

CNC machines are used in a variety of industrial settings and in woodworking shops. Most are out of the price range for the individual user, but can be purchased used for about half the price. These machines increase speed and accuracy when doing large jobs or repetitive tasks.

How CNC Machines Work
CNC machines are used in a variety of industry, manufacturing processes and woodworking shops. CNC routers are used for drilling holes. Some machines have the capability of holding several tools. This allows them to perform more than one operation at a time. They save time and improve accuracy.

CNC stands for Computer Numerated Control. This technology was first seen in the 1970s. The machines need to be programmed and set up properly before operation. Once the initial set up is completed, they are fairly easy to operate and keep running.

In CNC routers, they can be programmed to drill holes in an automatic fashion. This is faster and more accurate over several pieces than in manual drilling. The results are more uniform. This method is very beneficial for larger jobs that require a lot of drilling. Manual drilling can become tiring and when the operator becomes tired, the results can become inconsistent.

Types of CNC Machines 
A CNC lathe is a good piece of equipment for cutting wood. These come in models ranging from fifteen to forty horsepower. The amount of power you need depends on the amount of wood you will use with the lathe. The best models operate in several different modes, from completely manual to all CNC. This allows you to tailor the machine?s operation for each project.

A Bridgeport mill is the best in milling technology. Mills are used in many industries, both large and small shops. They are efficient and reliable. Bridgeport mills are built to last a lifetime. However, they are very expensive. The price is out of the range that most people can afford.

The CNC mill is a specialty piece of equipment. It uses computer programming and robotics for accurate operation. The results are more accurate than any person could ever achieve. For this reason, Bridgeport mills are often used in the airline industry. Once the specs are entered, the CNC decides which tools need to be used and automatically changes the tools as needed.

Engraving equipment is made to engrave a variety of materials including glass, stone, metal, wood, composites and many others. The machines mark and engrave with more accuracy than could ever be achieved by hand. Everything from large signs to small lettering can be done, depending on your needs.

Buying Used units
CNC equipment is very expensive and out of the price range of most people. Buying used CNC electronics is an affordable option for some people. You can save nearly 50% or more on some equipment. Be careful when buying used, you want to be sure the equipment is in good condition.

A better option is to look for refurbished equipment. These machines have been inspected at the factory. Any broken or damaged components are replaced. In many cases, the machine is painted and new decals are applied. It?s like getting a new machine for a significantly reduced price. Often, you will get a one year warranty with reconditioned equipment. This gives you time to be sure it is working properly and if not, you can get it fixed for free.

About the Author: Charles Mahoney publishes many articles for the website http://www.inside-woodworking.com . He writes on topics from CNC technologies and other areas in this field.