Navus Obtains Versatile Waterjet Cutting Machine

Navus

The machine’s 5-axis motion allows for accurate bevel, arc, and angle cutting.

The team at Navus Automation, Inc., is one of the first in the region to acquire a Flow waterjet cutting machine. The CNC (computer numerically controlled) cutting technology uses high-pressure water jets as well as an abrasive to precisely cut through virtually any material, from paper or aluminum to steel or even granite.

The waterjet can cut material from 1/16 inch up to 10 inches thick, in high or low volume. A hair-thin pure waterjet stream is ideal for cutting soft materials, while a mixture of water and a garnet abrasive deftly cuts any hard material. The machine operates with a 5-axis motion for accurate bevel, arc, and compound angle cutting.

The cold cutting process means the materials are not subjected to the stress of heat or a heat affected zone. The cuts produce accurate and smooth edges, with minimal secondary finishing required. Waterjet cutting yields a tighter tolerance than plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, with less pre-cut preparation work and no post-cut grinding or deburring. Specifically, the technology allows for:

  • A traverse range of up to 500 in/min [12.7 m/min]
  • A linear straightness accuracy of +/- 0.0015 in/3 ft [+/- 0.038 mm/m]
  • Repeatability of +/- 0.002 in[+/- 0.050 mm]

With the acquisition of the Flow waterjet technology, Navus engineers are able to improve cutting accuracy and quality. The Flow software suite allows for quick and precise programming for cutting a part of any material and any thickness, widening Navus’ range of overall capabilities, efficiency, and productivity. Industries Navus will be able to utilize the waterjet cutting technology for include:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Shipbuilding
  • Energy
  • Oil & Gas
  • Agriculture
  • Architecture

Founded in 1998, Navus Automation, Inc. is an industry leader in full-service custom machine building and integration solutions. We collaborate with many Fortune 500 companies in the medical, automotive, military, and consumer industries. Navus engineers provide exceptional robotic solutions for integrated systems that increase productivity, quality, and safety.