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faq's - Aerospace Industry
Here are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about waterjet cutting in the Aerospace Industry
Where are KMT Waterjet products used in the aerospace industry?
KMT Waterjet intensifier pump technology and abrasive waterjet cutting heads have been extensively used in the aerospace industry for cutting titanium, Inconel, brass, water jet cutting aluminum, and steel, as well as cutting composites from .039″/1 mm to 6″/150 mm.
- The KMT Waterjet OEM network offers a complete line of waterjet table machines including five-axis waterjet to robotic integrated six-axis motion control.
- Waterjet cutting enables precise metal cutting for various aerospace components.
- KMT Waterjet installations are capable of waterjet cutting aircraft fuselages, tail and wing sections, rotary blades, and sheet-metal parts up to 12″/300 mm thick (material dependent).
- There are No Heat-Affected Zones (HAZ) and no burrs or rough edges, eliminating the need for secondary finishing.
- Versatile capabilities of high-pressure water and abrasive waterjet additive.
- KMT Waterjet and the OEM global network of waterjet integrator experts offer the broadest range of customized solutions in the aerospace industry.
What are the Advantages of six-axis robotics cells and five axis waterjet waterjet cutting systems?
The KMT Waterjet global OEM network, such as Water Jet Sweden below, offers five-axis and six-axis robotic solutions for waterjet cutting in the aerospace industry:
Precision Cutting: Waterjet cutting with five-axis and six-axis robots allows for intricate and precise cuts on complex aerospace components, cutting complex geometric shapes, ensuring accuracy and consistency in manufacturing.
Versatility: Waterjet cuts multiple axes of various materials and shapes required in aerospace applications, from thin sheets to thick composites, with minimal setup changes.
Increased Efficiency: Integration of waterjet cutting with five-axis and six-axis robots streamlines the manufacturing process by reducing manual handling, minimizing setup time, and optimizing cutting paths, ultimately leading to higher productivity and reduced production costs.
No Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ): Waterjet cutting is a cold-cutting process that does not generate heat during cutting.
Variety of materials: Waterjet cutting can cut many materials used in aerospace manufacturing, including metals, composites, and plastics.
Minimal Material Waste: The narrow kerf width of waterjet cutting is particularly advantageous for expensive aerospace-grade materials.
Environmentally Friendly: Waterjet cutting is an environmentally friendly process as it does not produce hazardous fumes, gases, or waste materials.
No Secondary Finishing Required: Waterjet cutting produces clean, smooth edges without burrs or roughness.
What are the time and cost savings: The precision of KMT Waterjet diamond orifice cutting nozzles, and UHP KMT water jet pump up to 90,000psi/6.200bar, the minimal kerf cutting will produce finished edges saving both time and money in production.
Cold cutting process: Waterjet cutting is ideal for automotive, medical, and aerospace applications where material integrity cannot be compromised by heat.
Versatility: KMT OEM integrators machines are capable of performing various types of cuts, from rapid hole drilling on waterjet tables to detailed cuts for aerospace applications including fully automated six-axis robotic waterjet cutting cells.
Abrasive additive: Waterjet cutters utilize an abrasive additive garnet to achieve clean, burr-free cuts, eliminating the need for secondary finishing operations.
How does waterjet cutting contribute to reducing material waste in the aerospace industry? 
Waterjet cutting produces minimal kerf widths, reducing material waste and optimizing material usage in aerospace manufacturing.
Photo: Water Jet Sweden team and Radius Aerospace team, managing the test process.
What safety measures are in place when using waterjet technology for aerospace applications?
Safety measures include machine guarding, operator training, and adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
Can waterjet cutting be used for both small and large-scale aerospace projects?
Waterjet cutting is versatile and can be used for both prototyping small aerospace parts and manufacturing large structural components.
What types of aerospace components benefit the most from waterjet cutting?
Complex shapes, tight tolerances, and materials sensitive to heat are best suited for waterjet cutting in aerospace, such as engine components and interior panels.
How does waterjet cutting compare to traditional machining methods in aerospace manufacturing?
Waterjet cutting offers advantages such as no heat-affected zones, minimal tool wear, and reduced setup times compared to traditional machining methods.
What are the maintenance requirements for waterjet machines used in aerospace applications?
Regular maintenance includes checking abrasive levels, nozzle wear, and pump performance to ensure optimal cutting performance.
How does waterjet cutting support the production of complex aerospace geometries?
Waterjet cutting can precisely cut intricate shapes and patterns, enabling the production of complex aerospace components with minimal setup time.
How does waterjet cutting contribute to the overall efficiency of aerospace manufacturing processes?
Waterjet cutting reduces setup times, eliminates the need for secondary operations, and allows for quick prototyping, thus improving overall efficiency.
Are there any specific certifications required for using waterjet technology in aerospace applications?
Certifications may vary based on industry standards and regulations, but adherence to quality management systems like ISO 9001 is often necessary.
Can waterjet cutting be used for aerospace materials with varying thicknesses?
Waterjet cutting can accommodate materials of varying thicknesses, from thin sheet metal to thick structural components.
What surface finishes can be achieved with waterjet cutting for aerospace components?
Waterjet cutting typically produces smooth surface finishes, but secondary processes like abrasive waterjet machining can achieve specific textures if required.
How does waterjet cutting accommodate the demand for rapid prototyping in the aerospace industry?
Waterjet cutting allows for quick turnaround times for prototypes due to its minimal setup requirements and ability to cut a wide range of materials.
What factors should be considered when selecting waterjet cutting parameters for aerospace materials?
Factors include material type, thickness, desired cut quality, and production volume, among others, to optimize cutting parameters for specific aerospace applications.
Can waterjet cutting be integrated seamlessly into existing aerospace manufacturing workflows?
Waterjet cutting systems can be integrated into existing workflows with proper planning and coordination to enhance overall manufacturing capabilities.
What environmental benefits does waterjet cutting offer in the aerospace sector?
Waterjet cutting produces no hazardous fumes or by-products, minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability in aerospace manufacturing.
How does waterjet technology support the trend toward lightweight materials in aerospace design and manufacturing?
Waterjet cutting is suitable for cutting lightweight materials like composites and aluminum alloys, aligning with the aerospace industry’s focus on weight reduction and fuel efficiency.
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