Water Jet Sweden height-sensor setting system
Article Type: Equipment and software From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 4
One of the most critical aspects of efficiency in waterjet cutting is the height of the jet nozzle from the workpiece: a new height-sensor setting system,designed in-house by Water Jet Sweden, raises the game to new heights.
If the gap between the nozzle and the material is too large or too small, not only is the cutting efficiency reduced, and hence operational speed, but the quality of the profiled edge deteriorates with consequent risk of remedial action being required or even product rejection.
Generally, the critical distance needs to be just a few millimetres and, says WJS, the new sensor is said to be able to maintain this distance within a tolerance of ±0.1 mm to give, for example, an assured position of 2.5-3.0 mm over the whole working area. Such an area can extend up to more than 4 ×12 m. User benefits are greater cutting efficiency and cleaner edges at no extra cost.
Operating through the CNC system, usually a GE Fanuc, several functions are involved. The operator enters any desired figure for the distance that is to be held between the material and the cutting head. The measurements can be set to be made either online or, if preferred, at specific time intervals, e.g. every 10 s. The head will faithfully follow these instructions throughout the subsequent operation.
Furthermore, the new height sensor system can reportedly be fully-integrated with the latest WJS anti-collision monitoring device that has also just been announced. At the end of each operating cycle the system will automatically raise the head well clear of the surface as a safety measure to help protect the expensive jet nozzle from accidental damage during workpiece retrieval.
The new system is obviously good news for users who are in the business of profiling large sheets of material, which can have significant bows and buckles spread across their width or length. Such variations can be a real nightmare for operators to contend with and is justification in itself for the introduction of the height sensor system. Users of smaller profilers are equally happy to have the system available, because it cuts down on the initial set-up time and, for a profiler making many product changes per shift, this all adds up to greater productivity and less need for overseeing by a higher-skilled operative.
For more details please contact: WJS UK; Tel.:+44 (0) 1937 845 499; Fax: +44(0) 7092 860 980; E-mail: info@waterjetsweden.com
