Unmanned waterjet cutting

Waterjet cutting has become increasingly popular in recent years, but systems are often not yet adapted to support continuous work processes. Operators must wait until a cutting job is fully completed to load the machine and weekends must be taken into account when performing tasks of longer duration. Therefore, the importance of automating production is increasing. Resato has developed a number of products that allow their waterjet cutting machines to operate with minimal manpower and even unmanned.

The ACM series waterjet cutting machines are distinguished, among other things, by their robust design and stable, linear drive technology, which guarantee optimum accuracy. (Image: Resato)

Resato provides smart high-pressure solutions with the aim of increasing the productivity of its customers increase worldwide. With more than 25 years of experience in high-pressure technology, the company has the knowledge and experience to provide reliable and safe solutions for applications in the oil and gas industry, hose testing industry, glass industry, mining sector, automotive sector, aviation industry and many others. "Among other things, Resato International BV supplies components and systems for manipulating gases and liquids and for performing high-pressure tests up to 14,000 bar," says marketing manager Sven Reiffers. "Since 2016, we have also been supplying hydrogen applications, including hydrogen filling stations for fleets and compressors, which make hydrogen refueling a breeze. A third specialization is the construction of high quality waterjet cutting machines of various types and sizes, with which metals, such as stainless steel, hardened steel, aluminum, copper and titanium ... can be cut very precisely and quickly."

24/7 unmanned waterjet cutting

The ACM series of waterjet cutting machines from Resato are distinguished, among other things, by a robust design and stable, linear drive technology, which guarantee optimum accuracy. Thanks to its modular design, the machine can be easily adapted or expanded based on changing customer requirements. The cutting head of the waterjet cutting machine is available in both a 2D, 2.5D or 3D variant, suitable for abrasive and pure waterjet cutting and/or cutting of bevels. The Resato EMS Monitoring software and Resato Job Manager enable 24/7 unmanned production. "Our EMS Monitoring software monitors the cutting process of the waterjet cutting machine 24/7. If an unexpected malfunction occurs or the abrasive in the refill tank runs out, the EMS Monitoring software automatically sends a notification to the operator, who can immediately take appropriate action. Permanent monitoring by the operator is thus no longer necessary," explains the marketing manager. "With the ACM Job Manager module, multiple consecutive jobs can be started automatically. This functionality enables the execution of cutting jobs without operator intervention, guaranteeing continuous production. Ideal for running multiple cutting jobs at night and on weekends. After selecting a job for addition to the job queue, a marking and sequence number is displayed for each job. It is possible to randomly select jobs from different materials and different thicknesses. It is even possible to add new jobs to the queue during a cutting job."

The Resato EMS Monitoring software and Resato Job Manager enable 24/7 unmanned production.

Maximum efficiency in a 100% safe working environment

In addition, the waterjet cutting machine can be expanded with the Resato Flex zone, which can be easily mounted on the bridge of the waterjet cutting machine and moves flexibly with the working area of the cutting head. "The Flex zone continuously creates flexible, accessible working areas for the operators, allowing them to safely load and unload materials already during the cutting process. This minimizes machine downtime. Innovative light screens on the bridge guarantee a 100% safe working environment in this regard," Reiffers concludes. "With this system, the supply of abrasive can be fully automatically controlled during the cutting process, further increasing the efficiency of the waterjet cutting machine. A 24/7 efficient and unmanned production is the result."