Archive

Water jet cuts parts without trim dies

April 5, 2001

Engineers at Robotic Production Technology, Auburn Hills, Mich., have combined state-of-the-art robotics and computerized controls from Fanuc with water jet cutting technology to create a cutting system that needs no trim dies.

The system is also flexible, letting users adjust points on a curve to be cut so that there's no need for tools or tooling changes. It uses water pressures up to 55,000 psi and is well suited for cutting interior automotive panels, dashboards, and sheet-molding-compound (SMC) parts.

Stainless-steel high-pressure coils on all axes provide wide range of motion.
Rotating wall accommodates up to four fixtures, each with individual programs.
High-pressure water jet nozzle handles up to 55,000 psi. Mounting it on an articulated robot provides an almost endless variety of cutting patterns.
Catch collects debris and simplifies clean up.