Abrasive waterjet system features traction drive and allows cutting envelope expansion

OMAX® Corp.'s 80X JetMachining® Center is designed with a footprint of 265 in. by 152 in.

The system—suitable for large-scale, precision machining of large or multiple parts—lis equipped with Intelli-TRAX, a traction drive that helps ensure accuracy and enables expansion of the cutting envelope to 20 ft. The drive is fully enclosed inside coated steel covers, making the system suitable for harsh environments while requiring minimal maintenance, the company states. Additionally, the traction drive helps enable fast traverse speeds, which can reduce throughput times when machining multiple and nested parts.

The system, which features an X-Y travel of 165 in. by 80 in., comes standard with the company's Intelli-MAX® software, which runs on the Windows® XP operating system. The system can calculate the velocity of a tool path at more than 2,000 points per inch, helping provide control over the motion of an abrasivejet.

Standard features include a programmable, motorized Z axis with a MAXJET® 5 nozzle assembly; ultrahigh-pressure direct-drive pump; and rapid water level control for quiet, submerged cutting.

The system cuts a variety of materials, including aluminum, tool steel, stainless steel, mild steel, and titanium, with an accuracy of motion up to &#plusmn; 0.003 in. It does not require tool changes or complex fixturing, which reduces setup times by at least 50 percent, according to the company.