Posted to News on 2nd Nov 2009, 11:26
Wightman Stewart supplies WARDJet system to AMRC
Working with its UK agent Wightman Stewart, WARDJet has supplied a Z Series 513 waterjet cutting table, equipped with an X Series touch screen controller, to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing near Sheffield. This is a flagship installation of WARDJet technology in the UK at a facility dedicated to scientific excellence, expertise and technological innovation within the University of Sheffield's faculty of engineering.
AMRC's vision is to become a world-class global research facility developing innovative and advanced technologies for advanced materials forming. Boeing invests directly in the facility and has a ten-year commitment of investment.
USA-based WARDJet was selected as a partner on the basis of its excellence in waterjet cutting technology. The specification of WARDJet for the AMRC followed an initial meeting between AMRC's project Director John Baragwanath and WARDJet owner Richard Ward at the 2007 Fabtech exhibition in Chicago. The conclusion was that WARDJet waterjet cutting technology would meet the requirements of the AMRC's research and manufacturing programmes.
WARDJet's waterjet cutting technology has been selected to demonstrate the potential of high-performance machining and the production of parts without compromise to the structural or surface integrity of the component. The WARDJet machine will be employed on a wide range of research projects and its ability to cut both non-metallic and metallic materials - from mild steel to aerospace alloys and high-performance plastics - is critical.
An important attribute of the WARDJet Z Series 513 waterjet cutting table is the scope to extend and upgrade it in the future to meet the requirements of AMRC's research programmes. The WARDJet philosophy of offering systems that are "more than just a waterjet" is central to this, so that the table is not only upgradable to five-axis machining, but is also prepared for many other automated machining applications if required. The X Series touchscreen controller is also a vital element of the machine's capabilities, providing easy control of all cutting parameters.
Wightman Stewart has outstanding experience in the application of waterjet technology and will provide local technical support for the AMRC installation. Paul Eastburn, Sales Director of Wightman Stewart, states: "This is a flagship WARDJet installation for the UK. Any company considering investment in waterjet can arrange a demonstration of the WARDJet machine at the AMRC by contacting us directly."
