The softly-softly approach of robotic waterjet cutting

An extremely high-pressure jet of water is an efficient method of cutting soft materials, and combining the waterjet process with industrial robots is an economic alternative to the traditional punch tool method of producing complex-shaped components for car interiors, such as floor carpets, headliners and door trims. Applications are given of robotic waterjet systems installed in the USA, France and Iran as well as news of a new cutting box introduced by ABB-IR Waterjet Systems. A further development of the waterjet process is described in which the addition of abrasives enables aluminium castings to be fettled and cleaned.