Economies of scale peg price of KMT Neoline waterjet pump

The CE-marked 40 hp Neoline costs just two-thirds of a 50 hp unit and the pump's power positions it in the medium range. It is suitable for single-head cutting of metals where a 30 hp pump could struggle and a 50 hp unit might be unnecessarily powerful. It can supply one waterjet nozzle of up to 0.30 mm diameter or two 0.23 mm nozzles. The 40 hp pump is also suitable for processing softer materials on a twin-head machine. The waterjet can be either pure or with added garnet abrasive. Designed to be incorporated into machines built by waterjet cutting and profiling system OEMs, it is supplied with or without an electrical panel and booster. This makes it suitable for both new and experienced machine builders, explains KMT. Peter Longman, KMT's manager for the UK and Irish markets, repudiates any conclusion that KMT must have cut corners with Neoline, instead he says its high performance-to-price ratio is due to economies of scale in production. To this end, the company has invested heavily in new plant and processes to maximise production efficiency at its Baxter Springs factory in Kansas, USA. The stainless steel topworks of the Neoline are of the same quality as those on higher specification KMT pumps. A 1 litre accumulator maintains output pressure from the intensifier to ensure smooth flow of water to the nozzle(s) for a high quality of cut and to promote longevity of machine parts, says KMT. Included in the KMT package are a heat exchanger to cool the hydraulic oil and water and a safety dump valve on the pump to relieve system pressure in the case of shutdown. Modular design allows quick and easy maintenance as well as rapid replacement of individual wear parts when the need arises.