Acceleration in Waterjets

There are many different concepts that go into understanding waterjet cutting and why one machine performs better than another. Many people look at speed as the first indicator of which system performs the best. With a deeper understanding of how waterjets work, it becomes easier to see that there is a much more important factor that plays into the efficiency of them. Two machines performing an identical cut on identical material can finish at two different speeds. This is possible because the systems have two different accelerations. Acceleration in waterjets is the most important factor when it comes to total run time.

Understanding the Difference

Speed and acceleration are two very different things. When defining speed within waterjet cutting, we would measure the distance the waterjet travels over time. The speed of a waterjet is a good indicator of the machine’s efficiency, but it’s not the best one. Speed becomes important only when discussing long, straight cuts. However, many projects will require much more in depth cuts. This is why acceleration is important.

Acceleration is the change in speed over a given amount of time. In waterjet cutting, this is how long it takes a machine to go from being stopped to it’s full speed. When cutting on detailed or irregular projects, the machine will have to stop and start multiple times. The acceleration of the waterjet will determine how long these projects take. This makes acceleration the most important factor when comparing different waterjets.

Benefits of Acceleration

Acceleration makes a waterjet more efficient in many ways. Acceleration creates many ways for operators, manufacturers, and consumers to save money. Typically, the more acceleration a machine has, the faster it can complete a project. This means that manufacturers can take on more projects and make more money. Due to this, acceleration becomes a benefit for everyone involved in this process.

Acceleration in the FlexJet Waterjet

The FlexJet waterjet has the fastest acceleration rate and traverse speed in the waterjet cutting market. The machine moves at 1,800 IPM and has an acceleration of 1G. In the market, the closest competitor has acceleration of .1G and speeds of 700 IPM. With higher speed and acceleration, the FlexJet waterjet will complete more parts per hour and help save money on abrasive, overall bringing in more income while costing less to run. The FlexJet waterjet is the overall more efficient and productive waterjet on the market. 

If you’re looking to speed up part production, click here or call 800-837-2502.

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Standard Features

  • Hand Pendant
  • 22″ Touch Screen Monitor
  • Omron FlexCNC Controller
  • Mobile Control Panel
  • Through Spindle Coolant 
  • Auto Tool Changer 
  • Flood Coolant
HP
Max RPM
FT/LBS
Series

18

4000

92

C-20-02 / C-10-02

18

6000

61

C-20-02 / C-10-02

33

12000

61

CM-20-02

Auto Stand-Off – This is currently defined to be surface stand-off and not to be confused with vector stand-off in 5-axis mode. The current auto stand-off is based on a changing surface and will adjust vertically based on the angle of the “A” Axis, so there is five (5) axis taken into account during the calculations, but this is not the same as the tool vector stand-off. There is the ability to do the vector stand-off change while the machine is running manually with buttons on the screen.

Z-Reader Probe – The Z-Reader is a device for mapping the location of the surface. It can be controlled manually & programmatically. The option is NOT active while cutting & is retracted out of harm’s way. It can be triggered to verify the surface at every pierce before the cutting process starts, or it could be used to drive surface mapping of the whole part before cutting starts. It begins with initialization or zeroing of the device to the surface at the beginning of a program and then accumulates or tracks the difference from that zeroing effort.

Automatic Edge Finder – The edge finder is or can be utilized manually (Jogging Method & Screen Buttons), programmatically (M & G codes), or fully automatic routine (dedicated program). This option sets offsets & program rotation to match the orientation & location on the cutting table.

AC Unit Installed on Electrical Cabinet – The unit is mounted on the cabinet’s High Power (480v) side. It is close to the location where the drives are mounted. This option keeps the cabinet temperature stable and allows heat dissipation faster. The servo drives for all axes are the most significant contributors to heat inside the electrical cabinet.

5-Axis Renishaw CalibrationThe calibration unit is a Renishaw model APCA45 with a modified spherical stylus. The device has a retractable cover and air purge to clear debris & dust during the activation process. It mounts to a swing arm controlled by a pneumatic rotary, so it is out of the way during regular operation and swings into the calibration position for calibration only. 

HP
Max RPM
FT/LBS
Series

18

4000

92

G-20-06 / G-10-06

18

6000

61

G-20-06 / -10-06

40

4000

217

GM-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06

40

6000

145

G-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06