AAG supplies new waterjet cutter to Lionweld Group

Telford, Shropshire-based AXYZ has supplied a WardJet waterjet cutting system to the Lionweld Group, a leading manufacturer of steel gratings and GRP access products (including safe grid flooring of which it is the sole UK producer). The company also supplies the offshore wind turbine, nuclear energy, rail and hydropower sectors.

The machine installed at the Lionweld Group is an X-2040, one of three different-sized models in the X-Series of large-format ballscrew WardJet cutting systems, all of which provide a maximum cutting speed of 20m/minute. The machine incorporates additional design features that include a special height sensor, a 400lb (181.437kg) capacity continuous abrasive feed hopper and a 60,000psi intensifier pump.

Optional machine enhancements that can be installed on the machine include a water level control system, cutting table enclosure and the latest Apex-60, 5-axis cutting head for radically enhanced 3D cutting performance.

The X-2040 is powered by WardCam design and production software supplied by AAG. In addition, the Lionweld Group also uses specially designed software required to nest the several parts of its standard 3.6 x 1.2m GRP mesh panels.

The X-2040 was purchased initially to complete an order for wind turbine internal platforms that required these mesh panels, but in the longer term to provide a more efficient waterjet cutting capability to that already available on an existing machine installed at a sister company.

Engineering manager at the Lionweld Group, Richard Hookway explained: “Previously, these platforms were constructed manually by two engineers and required approximately two weeks to construct each platform, thus proving labour intensive, leading to longer turnaround times and increasing the risk of errors in production. Following installation of the X-2040 machine, it now takes less than a day for one employee to achieve the same result. Furthermore, by comparison with the waterjet machine already in use, the X-2040 has also proved much simpler to operate and easier to maintain.”

He added: “The X-2040 has been a great addition to our machine portfolio, with the consequent increase in cutting speed and accuracy a real boost to our production capacity and manufacturing capabilities. We are now looking to cut stainless steel with an accuracy of 0.7mm which will be a real gamechanger for our steel fabrication plant.”

On the service, including installation and operator training, provided by AAG Mr Hookway concluded: “This was excellent in every respect and bodes well for our future business partnering with AAG and the WardJet brand.”

Following its acquisition by AAG’s parent company in Canada, US-based WardJet is now a division of AAG, with WardJet waterjet cutting machines now complementing the well-known family of AXYZ CNC routing, cutting and finishing systems available in the UK.

AXYZ www.axyz.co.uk