ANGLE VALVE MANUFACTURER REAPS BENEFITS OF 5-AXIS WATERJET CUTTING (9425)
 |
GNB Corporation, a major manufacturer of large vacuum valves, also offers a wide range of machining and welding services, the assembly of customised fabrications as well as standard vacuum gate valves, angle & pendulum valves, vacuum chambers, custom flanges and fittings production. When the company realised that weld preparation and set-up times were higher than actual welding times the decision was made to invest in a WARDJet 5-axis waterjet, cutting machine. As a result GNB has cut production costs and increased material utilisation rates and according to GNB’s Kirk Carter, “We cannot afford to be without the 5-axis waterjet. We are focused on providing the best value for our customers and the WARDJet machine gives us a competitive advantage.” As part of their fabrication services, GNB were primarily cutting thick stainless steel (up to 12.7 cm thick) and needed a method of cutting material with the bevelled weld preps directly on to the net shapes of the parts. Their goal was to eliminate all machining, bevelling and grinding during the weld preparation process. One of the unique manufacturing challenges was presented by the angle valve product line. The body of an angle valve is constructed from two cylindrical tubes that intersect one another at a right angle. In the past, GNB made this body by coping the tubes by hand using a printed paper template. This was an expensive and time consuming process.- The goal was to manufacture the body of the angle valves by waterjet cutting the flat plate with all penetrations prior to rolling. Not only are there penetrations for ports, but there is a large branch port which requires perfect match up. With waterjet, GNB now accomplishes this task quickly and with exacting precision.
The knowledge gained from the angle valve project has resulted in many other benefits from the WardJet the 5-axis cutting head. GNB has virtually eliminated the grinding of weld preparations. This experience now applies to all GNB’s products as they constantly look for ways to save time and provide the highest quality products to their customers.
By now, most engineers in manufacturing recognise the benefits of waterjet cutting. By far the most important benefit of the waterjet cutter is the ability to cut material without interfering with the material’s inherent structure as there is no heat-affected zone. Minimising the effects of heat allows metals to be cut without harming or changing intrinsic properties. In addition, waterjet cutting is considered a “green” technology as it produces no hazardous waste and the garnet abrasive is a non-toxic natural substance that can be recycled for repeated use. Waterjet also eliminates airborne dust particles and contaminants, greatly improving the working environment.
|
