Fluid jet cutting system
AssigneeCamsco, Inc.
InventorsElmer N. Leslie, Bobby L. Higgins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and method are disclosed utilizing a high strength fluid jet in an operative cutting system. A computer driven carriage and nozzle movable on the carriage effectuate cutting in the X-Y direction and a sensor arrangement is used to position the nozzle in the Z-direction. The workpiece rests on a flexible wire bed which supports the workpiece and at the same time allows a fluid catcher to pass under the workpiece in registration with the nozzle. A support channeled for allow for movement of the fluid catcher provides support for the workpiece in the area of the cut.
Claims16
Apparatus for cutting a workpiece comprising:
- a. a source of fluid;
- b. means for intensifying the pressure of said fluid coupled to said source;
- c. means for supporting the workpiece comprising a plurality of flexible supports;
- d. a nozzle movable in relation to said support means;
- e. conduit means communicating between said nozzle and said intensifying means for supplying fluid under pressure to said nozzle;
- f. means to effectuate a discharge of fluid from said nozzle to cut through the workpiece;
- g. means disposed under said support means, on the side of the workpiece opposite the nozzle and movable in correspondence with the movement of said nozzle to receive the fluid discharge from the nozzle and thereby reduce the splashback of fluid on the workpiece;
- h. a sensor for determining the distance between the nozzle and the workpiece;
- and
- i. means for moving the nozzle to vary the distance between the nozzle and the workpiece.
A method of cutting a workpiece, comprising the step of:
- a. generating fluid under pressure in the range of 30,000 to 60,000 psi;
- b. transporting said fluid under pressure in a cutting nozzle;
- c. positioning and supporting a workpiece under said nozzle;
- d. directing the stream of fluid through said nozzle to cut through the workpiece;
- e. moving said nozzle in a predetermined path to cut a pattern through said workpiece;
- f. positioning a device for receiving fluid expelled from the nozzle and moving said device in correspondence with the movement of the nozzle;
- and
- g. sensing the distance between said nozzle and said workpiece and adjusting the nozzle to maintain a selected distance between it and the workpiece.
An apparatus for cutting a workpiece comprising:
- a source of fluid;
- b. means for intensifying the pressure of said fluid;
- c. means for supporting the workpiece;
- d. a nozzle movable in relation to the support means;
- e. conduit means communicating between said nozzle and said intensifying means for supplying fluid under pressure to said nozzle;
- f. means to effectuate a discharge of fluid from said nozzle to cut through the workpiece;
- g. means disposed on the side of the workpiece opposite the nozzle to receive the fluid discharge from the nozzle and thereby reduce the splashback of fluid on the workpiece;
- and
- h. means for moving said workpiece to said support means and removing said workpiece when the cutting operation has been completed, including a series of trays, each tray positionable under said nozzle and each tray having a wire bed to support said workpiece, said trays being loaded and unloaded at locations adjacent to said means for supporting said workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.