Opal Waterjet - a waterjet cutting machine built for stone cutting

Opal Waterjet by Eckert is a flagship advanced cnc waterjet cutting machine that is designed for demanding processes such as waterjet cutting and jet cutting in industrial environments. The machine is used in many industries, including the stone industry.

Water cutting is a technology in which a jet of water under very high pressure cuts through the material with exceptional accuracy, it is the high precision of cutting that is the main advantage of this method. Depending on the application, the cutting stream can be enriched with garnet abrasive (a type of stone), which makes it possible to effectively cut with abrasive water jet even very hard materials.

How waterjet cutting technology works

The waterjet cutting technology is based on the use of very high pressure, in which the water jet reaches up to 6,000 bar. In practice, the water jet cuts through the material without generating high temperatures, which eliminates the risk of thermal damage.

In this process, it is very important to set the parameters properly, because the effect of waterjet cutting depends on the choice of pressure, speed and amount of abrasive. Waterjet machine, properly configured, allows you to achieve high quality and repeatability of the process. For many, it is unimaginable that a waterjet can generate such a wide range of possibilities.

Numerically controlled waterjet machine

Waterjet cutting technology is ideal for both simple and highly complex projects. The control system also allows you to optimize the process, resulting in better cutting performance and less consumption of consumables.

Values of waterjet technology

The advantages of waterjet cutting are wide-ranging and include both qualitative and technological aspects. The most important benefit is the precision of cutting, which makes it possible to make very accurate parts. In addition, precision cutting makes it possible to realize complex shapes without the need for additional machining.

The advantages of waterjet cutting also include the lack of temperature influence on the material, which means no thermal deformation. As a result, waterjet cutting guarantees high edge quality and dimensional stability.

The advantages of waterjet cutting include the lack of temperature influence, which means no thermal deformation.

It is worth noting that the advantages of waterjet cutting also include the ability to work on very thick materials and high versatility of applications.

High pressure system and pump

The key component of any waterjet cutter is the high-pressure pump, which is responsible for generating a high-pressure water jet. Opal waterjet cutters use different types of pumps, including crankshaft and piston pumps.

The system can operate in several pressure ranges, and the proper selection of parameters allows the process to match the type of material, its thickness and the expected quality of the cut. The correct pressure setting affects the efficiency, precision and width of the cut, which is particularly important when processing natural stone and materials that require high accuracy.

The system can also be used for the processing of natural stone.

• Under 3,000 bar - the range used for delicate cutting of soft materials such as foams, paper, gaskets or rubber, usually without the addition of abrasive.

• 3800 - bars - the most commonly used standard in industrial waterjet systems, used for efficient cutting of metals, natural stone, stoneware and thick plastics.

• Under 6200 bar (90,000 PSI) - an advanced high-pressure range for faster cutting of difficult materials and narrower cut widths and even greater accuracy.

Cutting heads and 3d capabilities

Opal Waterjet uses both two types of heads:

• 3-axis cutting head,

• 5-axis head, which allows cutting complex shapes and spatial processing.

The use of a 3d head makes it possible to cut at an angle and produce high-precision details. In practice, this means that even the most daring architectural and decorative projects can be realized.

Stone industry and other industries

The stonemasonry industry is an extremely growing area of application for waterjet technology. Waterjet cutting allows for precise processing of natural materials such as granite, marble and sandstone, as well as other products of natural origin such as terrazzo.

In this industry, waterjet cutting methods are used for the processing of natural materials such as granite, marble and sandstone, as well as other natural products such as terrazzo.

In this industry, stone cutting methods mainly include mechanical cutting technologies, which leave much to be desired - in this area, water technology comes to the rescue, making it possible to achieve perfect edge quality. Industrial applications for waterjet cutting include the production of countertops, stairs, facades and decorative elements, among others.

Waterjet technology is also used in many other industrial sectors. In addition to cutting stone and metal, waterjet cutters are used for processes such as cutting glass, cutting stoneware, cutting ceramics, cutting aluminum, stainless steel, rubber, plastics, composites, technical foams and sealing materials. Thanks to its high precision and lack of temperature influence, waterjet cutting technology is used in the construction, automotive, advertising, machinery, aerospace and manufacturing industries, enabling the production of both technical details and decorative elements with complex shapes and high quality edges.

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Productivity and capacity

Modern cnc waterjet cutting machine provides high cutting capacity, which allows for efficient mass production. The high cutting speed depends on the type of material, pressure and system configuration.

With waterjet technology, it is also possible to cut large formats and cut thick materials, increasing the machine's range of applications in industry.

Costs and process efficiency

The operating costs of waterjet cutting depend on abrasive consumption, energy consumption and operating parameters. The right system configuration can optimize the process and reduce unit costs.

One of the most important cost elements in waterjet technology is the abrasive garnet, used when cutting hard materials such as natural stone, steel or ceramics. The greater the thickness of the material and the more demanding the process, the higher the abrasive consumption and the longer the operating time of the machine.

The operating pressure and power of the system also have a significant impact on costs. Higher parameters can increase the consumption of energy and consumable parts, but at the same time reduce process time, improve cutting performance and achieve better edge quality.

It is also important to have a higher cutting pressure and power.

In practice, waterjet cutting often proves cost-effective because it eliminates the need for additional finishing. The high precision of the cut, the absence of thermal distortion and the reduction of material losses mean that the total cost of production can be lower than with other machining methods.

Waterjet cutting is also a very cost-effective method of cutting.

Summary

Opal Waterjet from Eckert CNC is an advanced cnc waterjet cutting machine that combines high precision, state-of-the-art technology and wide application possibilities. Waterjet cutting technology makes it possible to achieve the highest quality machining in industries such as masonry, metallurgy and construction.

Opal Waterjet.

This is a solution where waterjet becomes the basis for an extremely precise and flexible production process.