New waterjet cutting range

The arrival of the new Optima series of waterjet machines will now enable Kerf to offer a cutting solution for a vast array of materials in scenarios that may demand anything from low volume or prototype parts through to high volume production.

The addition of the Optima series to the Kerf portfolio now means customers can enhance precision, surface finish quality and productivity regardless of material type. As a 'cold cutting' process, waterjet machining eliminates the potential for heat distortion, material hardening and the associated material stresses.

Furthermore, the process delivers clean cut and burr-free edges that eliminate secondary hand finishing operations. The Optima will enable Kerf's customers to process materials such as mild, stainless and tool steel, aluminium, titanium, brass and copper whilst brittle materials such as carbon fibre, ceramic, granite, Kevlar and marble are also accommodated. Taking the cutting potential even further, the Optima can also slice its way through soft materials such as foam, acrylic, nylon polypropylene and rubber.

The diverse capability is further enhanced by the option of a 3, 4 or 5-axis head that will cut complete parts with quality and precision. For the modern machine shop, the Kerf Optima can be installed to reduce material waste, on-machine cutting times, tool consumption and costs. It achieves this by cutting raw material blanks to near-net shape as an 'upstream' process from the machine tool enabling the customer to rapidly realise time, material and cutting tool savings.

Also by utilising the nesting software with the Optima machine, customers can witness even greater material savings.
The Optima series is available with a host of options that vary from table size, number of axes and also the amount of desired cutting heads – all features that can be expertly packaged to meet the exact demands of the customer by Kerf Developments.

With regard to the cutting stroke, the Optima is offered with an X-axis of 2, 3 or 4m and a Y-axis span of 1, 2, 4 or 6m with bespoke dimensions available upon request. The Z-axis stroke permits cutting of material up to 180mm thick whilst achieving a precision level of 0.1mm.

Like all machines from the Kerf stable, the new Optima is a robust, heavy-duty machine that has been designed to stand the test of time. Incorporated into the machine is an innovative roller guide design that extends the life and precision of the axes movement. With no moveable bellows, the Optima has stationary side covers for the X-axis to maximise protection and prolong the life of components. Similarly the water tank that supports the material remains separate from the machine frame eliminating vibration ensuring that consistent cut quality can be achieved.

The Optima is supplied as standard with Kerf Developments' Burny 10 LCD control unit that ensures a user friendly interface that can reduce programming and cycle times. All of this is backed by Kerf Developments' reputation for quality products that are supported by effective service and maintenance packages.

KERF DEVELOPMENTS
www.kerfdevelopments.com