Jet Edge’s Idro line of five-axis precision waterjet cutting machines is capable of cutting virtually any material, the company says. The line is available in three sizes: 5.5 × 6.5 ft., 5.5 × 13 ft. and 6.5 × 13 ft. nominal (1,700 × 2,000 mm, 1,700 × 4,000 mm and 2,000 × 4,000 mm). All models feature the IKC five-axis waterjet cutting head, which is capable of making inclined cuts and controlling kerf to ensure optimal part quality. The cutting head features 600-degree rotation, a maximum angle of ±60 degrees and dynamic precision from ±0.2 to ±0.5 mm/ m, depending on the tilt of head.
The line’s high-precision, ground, rack-and-pinion X and Y axes, as well as its ballscrew-driven, 5.9" (150-mm) Z axis, ensure accuracy, the company says. It maintains a cutting tolerance ±0.004" (0.1 mm/m) and repeatability of ±0.001" (0.025 mm). The machine also supports a contouring and rapid feed rate of 0 to 1,575 ipm (0 to 40,000 mm/min.) Motion components are protected by steel covers with labyrinth lip seals to ensure lasting performance.
The line is equipped with programmable contact height sensing and one five-axis cutting head. A second five-axis or three-axis cutting head is also available. Other standard features include a stainless steel tank; automatic safety guards with clear windows on front and back; and a dredge conveyor for abrasive removal. Options include a rotating axis for pipe cutting, a fire jet etching system, a drill and twin shuttles. According to the company, free software updates are included for the life of the machine. The machine’s rigid, fixed, upright bridge structure can be moved out of the way for forklift or crane loading.
To meet the extreme tolerance of the telescope’s beryllium mirrors, the manufacturer had to rely on stable horizontal machining centers with a high degree of consistency volumetric accuracy.
Old-world craftsmanship combines with precision machining on a vertical machining center and Swiss-type lathe to produce some of the only U.S.-made mechanical wristwatch movements.
.jpg;maxWidth=300;quality=90)
