 |
 |
||||||
[November 2000]
UK First in Water-jet Cutting said to be Ideal for use in Ceramics
A triple alliance has led to an award-winning development in the world of water-jet cutting technology. The pioneering work of Gee Graphite (Dewsbury, West Yorks, England), end users of water-jet technology, and the pump expertise of Diajet (manufacturers of suspension based abrasive water-jet equipment) have been harnessed by Techserve Engineering (also of Dewsbury), the machine table manufacturer, to produce the TGD2000, said to be the first water-jet cutting machine to be built in the UK.
The three companies identified the need for a more efficient and cost effective water-jet cutting machine and pooled their resources and skills to create the TGD2000. Their creativity and foresight earned them a DTI 'SMART' award which has allowed the project to reach a successful conclusion.
The prototype has been installed at Gee Graphite, where it will now undergo a series of field trials and fine tuning. "The TGD2000 is fully PC controlled and can be programmed via DXF files," says Colin Gee of Gee Graphite. "Sadly, few people in industries where cutting is an important part of their business actually know the full potential of water-jet cutters.
"As this is a non-heat process, originally developed by the Ministry of Defence for bomb disposal work, water-jet cutters are essential for materials with a low melting point, as there is no heat-affected zone. Ideal for cutting ceramics and tiles, the TGD2000 should dispel any doubts about loss of efficiency, speed or accuracy."
The machine has a new pump system developed by Diajet, which is based at Cranfield University, which operates with a far lower working pressure than normal - around 10kW at 700 pounds per square inch - rather than the more normal 45kW at 3000 bar pressure. It also has the facility to filter and recycle the garnet abrasive, using a cyclone system designed by BHR.
Lower working pressure means energy savings and is thus far more cost effective, say the partners. "This new system means the machine's cutting capabilities are as accurate as ever whilst, at the same time, being more environmentally friendly," says Robin Smoult of Diajet. "And this means benefits for all concerned."
So far, prospects for the TGD2000 are said to be looking very promising. "The accuracy and overall performance of these machines has to be seen to be believed," says Mike Cowley, managing director of Techserv engineering, which is manufacturing the machine, "and when it comes to 'green' issues and basic economics, the TGD2000 will impress even the most obstinate sceptic."
ENDS