Case study: Going gaskets over water jet cutting
SPECIALISED Gaskets is using water jet cutting to manufacture up to 1000 gaskets a day, and claims the technology offers many advantages.
The company got its water jet from
Power Machinery. Admittedly, water jet cutting machines are very expensive. However, the water jet system supplier claims their advantages can provide an effective return on investment.
Water jet cutting can work in multiple dimensions, over five axes. It can cut a tapered ole or a chamfered edge. According to the gasket manufacturer, there is also an occupational health and safety benefit to the technology. Water jet cutting does not produce noxious fumes, and is safer than using laser.
The gaskets produced by the company measure up to six metres in diameter and are used in the gas and petrochemical industry as well as for domestic purposes.
According to the manufacturer, the water jet machine they got, which is produced by
WaterJet Sweden, works well within the range of gasket sizes, with no need for special modifications.
Water jet cutting is suited to aluminium and titanium as an alternative cutting method to laser or plasma. The cutting technique and minimise wastage because the operator can nest parts close together without having to fear heat distortion.
It can also be used in more difficult jobs with exotic alloys. On certain materials, overheating can affect the strength of the metal. The cold cutting process of water jet cutting avoids the problems of heat.
26-May-2008
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