Water jet technology is at the center of one of the nation’s most dynamic industries. Water jet cutting in San Francisco, CA blends the worlds of the technology sector and the manufacturing sector in unprecedented ways. As the rest of the Bay Area’s tech boom continues to advance, water jet cutting is also receiving a number of important technological upgrades.
Multidimensional cutting
One of the most significant advances that will soon be hitting the water jet cutting industry is the ability to perform multidimensional cuts. Cutting heads placed on a rotary axis are capable of making cuts in three dimensions, and rotating clamps and platforms that can be synchronized with the cutting utensil can create a greater, more dynamic cutting experience.
Abrasive media recycling
For some water jet applications, abrasive water jet technology is used to enhance cutting capabilities. In traditional water jet systems, abrasive media is discarded or spent. Some new systems, however, are being developed with the ability to recapture and reuse abrasive media. This helps fabricators reduce their environmental footprints, and also works to enhance their existing budgets.
Intuitive software
Smarter software measures are being pioneered that will allow fabricators to exercise a greater amount of control over their finished product. Some machines are now being outfitted with an accessible computer-aided design (CAD) interface that lets operators upload nearly any file format directly to the cutting device.
Additional sensors are being implemented in new water jet systems that allow the software to exercise greater control over the cutting operation, and remove the need for extensive human intervention.
Modeling the water stream in a CAD program allows operators to see a visual representation of how the cuts will be carried out, and provides fabricators with a better indication of the best way to make a cut.
Smarter pumps
One of the most important pumping technologies currently being developed by the water jet technology industry is an enhanced graphic interface that allows users to better monitor their flow and consumption. With these precise readouts, water jet operators can cut wasteful flow and make more precise cuts.
Additionally, pumps are becoming much more reliable, which means that water jet systems will have minimal (if any) downtime.
Interconnectivity is being developed for water jet systems at nearly every level of their operation. As the internet of things (IoT) continues to develop, water jet manufacturers are creating ways for fabricators to capitalize on this invaluable technology.
Water jets are also cutting at higher pressures, which is resulting in quicker and more efficient production cycles. As water jet technology continues to develop, it is becoming more and more lucrative for fabricators to invest in.
Mach 1 Waterjet, Inc. has been the premier purveyor of water jet cutting in San Francisco, CA since 1997. We are a family-owned and operated business in Alameda specializing in the latest advances in water jet technology and fabrication. To learn more about our services and how we can partner with local manufacturers, contact us today and speak with one of our experts!