6061 Aluminum cut with a KMT water jet pushing 55,000 psi. This part was cut at a rate of 5 inches per minute using Barton Mines HPX 85 garnet. The result is a clean, finished edge with a taper less than .010" on one inch aluminum. The perfect solution for first stage part processing.
Through artistic interpretation, this photo studio image was transformed into a one off unique art piece constructed out of brushed stainless steel. The original image was converted to a black and white photo in order to highlight the shadowing affects. Then through careful artistic interpretation, lines were lifted from the black and white photo to create cad ready vector lines. The vector format was then sent off the the CNC controlled water jet and with in minutes, this unique stainless steel art piece was created.
To find out more about this project please go to Cobaltdm.com
The true power of the waterjet is realized once you stack multiple sheets together. This project is a prime example. The University of Louisville's trademark L was cut out of 18 gauge cold roll steel stacked 4 deep. A typical feed rate for 18 ga. steel would be around 25 inches per min. (IPM). In this case we were able to slow the machine down to 15 ipm resulting in a combined feed rate of 60 ipm for a single layer of 18 ga. Thats an increase in produce of 140%. We are still not up to a lasers 120 imp for a single layer but considering we only have on table load as apposed to 4, we are not far behind.
For more information about waterjet cutting cold roll steel go to Cobaltdm.com
Which machining process is best suited for polyethylene, cutting with a waterjet or cutting with a cnc router. In order to answer this question all factors of production related to the project must be addressed.
Factors include; feed rate, setup time, tool diameter, cut quality and overall versatility in 3 dimensional space.
Feed Rate: Waterjets can cut multiple layers at one time. In this project showcase the waterjet was capable of cutting 4 sheets, 3/16" thick at a feed rate of 30 in/min. Relate the same to a CNC router. Typically a router setup will only allow one sheet at a time. One sheet @ 3/16 can be routed at a feed rate of 70 in/min. Quicker than the waterjet right? Not so. remember the waterjet was cutting four sheets @ 30 in/min. You must multiply 4 sheet times 30 in/min to calculate the individual sheet feed rate. In this case it turns out the waterjet can cut one sheet at a combined rate of 120 in/min. That is almost 75% faster than the router.
Setup Time: As stated above, the water jet is capable of cutting 4 sheets at a time equaling 1/4 the amount of time required to set the same project on a CNC router.
Tool Diameter: Typical CNC routers run a 1/2" diameter bit for cutting plastic. This will produce a 1/4" radius on all inside corners. The water jet cutting stream is approximately .08" diameter creating a .04" radius on inside corners.
Cut quality and versatility typically goes to the CNC routers. Router can produce intricate 3D designs as well as completely finished cut surfaces. Waterjets thrive on fast, large run projects. The majority of parts cut with a waterjet will experience further fabrication after being cut to size.
To find out if waterjet cutting is right for your project please go to Cobaltdm.com
A closer look at a custom cut Outlaw Street car parachute handle. The convenience of mass production with a short run order. After deburring,reaming the .25"diameter holes and powder coating, these $10.00 parts look NHRA race ready. Find out what else Cobalt can do to help out with your next project at www.Cobaltdm.com
When Cobalt Design and Manufacturing was ask by Fast Chassis to help produce custom motor plates for the insane 2000hp outlaw street cars, we jumped at the opportunity.Big block Chevy, small block Chevy, and small block Ford plates were carefully reversed engineered to meet competition specs. Small batch parts cut at a large scale manufacturing cost.
