Water jet cutting at Dunlop Precision

Keywords: Aerospace Industry, Seals, Manufacturing

Dunlop Precision Rubber of Leicestershire, manufacturer of elastomeric aerospace seals, has invested in an advanced water jet cutting facility designed to enhance the speed and quality of manufacturing. Supplied by Flow UK Ltd, the machine is an Integrated Flying Bridge 2012 and is fitted with an intensifier pump capable of providing a cutting pressure of 60,000psi. It is configured with two Paser 3cutting heads and will cut soft materials using water only or all other materials up to 150mm when using an abrasive water jet. In its initial applications, it will be cutting rubber components approximately 16mm thick.

The new machine claims to offer Dunlop Precision a number of advantages. It is reported to be extremely versatile, flexible and accurate, requiring minimal change-over and set-up times. Moreover, since it is a cold process, there are said to be no undesirable fumes, vapours or dust and no thermal changes to the workpiece. Also, because there is no direct contact between the cutting tool and the workpiece, lateral stress is reportedly minimised, so eliminating any risk of micro stresses and cracks.

Details available from: Dunlop Precision Rubber. Tel: +44 (0)1509 500000;Fax: +44 (0)1509 500150; Website: http://www.dunlop-precision.co.uk