Page 24 - MetalForming March 2013

The Quest for Q5:
Optimizing
Waterjet-Cut
Quality
Follow the 10 tips offered here, from a collection of industry experts, to reach the pinnacle of edge quality when performing abrasive waterjet cutting.
BY NANCY LAUSENG
In the world of waterjet cutting, Q5 represents the pinnacle of edge quality—defined as kerf edge con- dition. Q5 cuts are free of striations and noted for their smooth, sanded edge. A Q5 part is ready for primetime; you would be proud to place it in your lobby display case.
Achieving Q5 certainly is not always necessary, but when it is, many vari- ables come into play, from machine design and software to selecting the right garnet and orifice/nozzle com- bination.
We spoke with several waterjet-cut- ting industry experts for advice on achieving Q5 cuts. They are:
• Dennis Pavlov, Pegasus Northwest, Inc., an ISO9001/AS9100 and Boeing- certified waterjet shop known for its tight tolerances; www.pegasusnw.com
• Bradley Schwartz, Jet Edge, Inc., a manufacturer of waterjet-cutting sys- tems; www.jetedge.com
• William (Bill) Meyerholtz, Opta Minerals Inc., a garnet supplier; www.optaminerals.com
• Jessica Van Hatcher, Diamond Technologies, Inc. (DTI), a supplier of diamond orifices for waterjet cutting; www.waterjetdiamonds.com
Editor’s note: While most waterjet manufacturers refer to Q5 as the best
Nancy Lauseng is marketing manager, Jet Edge Inc., St. Michael, MN: 763/497- 8700; www.jetedge.com.
To hold tight tolerances when waterjet cutting, metalformers should invest in bridge-style gantry systems with preci- sion-ground ballscrews, such as those shown here operating at Pegasus North- west, Inc., Kent, WA. Shown is a four- head machine (above) cutting 5⁄8-in.-thick cast aluminum plate (Alcoa MIC 6) at a tolerance of ±0.005 in.; and (right) cut- ting of 6.5-in. titanium billets for Boeing.
edge quality, some use an opposite num- bering system, referring to Q1 as the best and Q5 as the worst.
Tip 1: Buy the Right Machine
If your business depends on holding tight tolerances, it is essential to invest in a system designed specifically for
22 MetalForming/March 2013
www.metalformingmagazine.com