Projects in the aerospace industry require complex technology and complete precision. Not only is this sector responsible for producing aircraft engines, the aircraft themselves, and related parts; but also military solutions (like guided missiles), scientific developments (like space vehicles), and other components that make up much of our modern world. As an industry with no margin for error, the aerospace department employs the accuracy and versatility of waterjet cutting to create a range of components — from jet engines and turbine blades, to custom control panels, and more.
In large part, waterjets are favored due to their adaptability. Not only can abrasive waterjets be of any given part; they can also be standardized for precise, uniform production on a large-scale basis. They are adaptable across projects, and across material types. Waterjets can effectively cut through a range of substances — including materials that may experience damage from other fabricating processes — such as: Foam, Glass, Carbon fiber, Titanium, Rubber, Brass, Plastic, Alloys, Stainless Steel, Copper and Aluminum.
The reason waterjets can cut so many differing materials is that they employ a cool-cutting process that leaves no heat-affected zones. Lasers and other tools struggle to effectively cut materials that possess a high thermal conductivity (like steel or aluminum). Waterjet machines, on the other hand, eradicate any heat-affected zones that could lead to microscopic cracks, or structural weakness in components.
Waterjet Machining – The Wave of Advanced Technology
Advanced materials in the aerospace industry require advanced processing solutions. Milling is widely used, but may have some limits such as cycle-times and operating costs. Waterjet machining can be a great addition, and sometimes even an alternative, to the traditional hard-tool machining. Waterjet quickly removes blocks of material while milling may require numerous passes with expensive cutting tools. These blocks can then be re-casted, optimizing the material use and cost.
The WJM – Aquarese’s Advanced Waterjet Machining Solution – is a robotized system utilizing the latest technology from Flow.
The WJM is already a proven manufacturing solution throughout Europe, Japan & USA on highly engineered products such as titanium blisks, composite blades, and more.
The feedback from 3 years of intensive production includes the following benefits:
- High precision cutting of most complex parts with Full 3D and intuitive CAM Software
- Enhanced uptime & quality
- Cycle time reduced up to 70% compared to traditional methods
With the aviation market currently booming, aircraft and engine manufacturers need to invest in efficient industrial processes to deal with increasing volumes without compromise on quality. The proven performance of Aquarese’s WJM solution helps to meet these requirements and allow faster return on investment (ROI).
MAXIEM® 1530 JetMachining® Center
The next generation MAXIEM® 1530 JetMachining® Center sets a higher standard for abrasive waterjet machining. Faster, smoother, and more precise, the MAXIEM 1530 is ideal for a wide range of modern machining needs. The exclusive advanced Intelli-TRAX® digital linear encoder provides one-micron resolution instant feedback to the motor control system so the machine knows precisely where the cutting head is at all times. The mobile control station with widescreen display provides flexibility in controller positioning. Optional accessories such as the A-Jet® for 5-axis cutting and taper compensation, Rapid Water Level Control for submerged cutting, and Collision Sensing Terrain Follower for machining irregular surfaces expand your JetMachining capabilities and dramatically improve production.
The latest MAXIEM 1530 machine comes with a 50,000psi pump featuring Variable Frequency Drive technology for precise cutting pressure control. The pump delivers more cutting power per kilowatt than intensifier-type pumps. The machine’s Windows 8 controller comes pre-loaded with OMAX’s latest version of the powerful Intelli-MAX Software Suite, which also builds upon years of real-world abrasive waterjet data to optimise tool paths automatically and give users precise predictability for cutting speeds, taper, jet lag and other abrasive jet factors. The result has taken abrasive waterjet cutting to industry-leading levels of speed and performance.
