Linear motor option for waterjet machine is believed to be world first

The whole x-axis is fitted with a single flat magnetic plate while each head is fitted with a coil. In this way, x-axis movement of each cutting head can then be accurately controlled by the CNC with a positioning accuracy as fine as 0.05 mm. "As well as the well-known advantages of such a drive system, it is especially useful for multi-head profiling," said Lennart Svensson, managing director of Water Jet Sweden. He is referring to cases where nested items need to be cut using the 'common line' method where the intermediate heads of a multi-head arrangement are cutting a line that forms both an 'inside edge' of one component and the 'outside edge' of its companion. In addition, because each of the heads can be easily re-positioned independently, it is far quicker to replace any nozzle as wear takes place, although nozzle wear can be compensated for automatically.