Competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series requires more than just a fast car and a steady driver. For every race, every lap, countless hours go into ensuring the car and its crew have the right materials in place to succeed. This includes dozens and dozens of specialized parts that have to be precision made. Teams that can find efficient and reliable ways to keep their cars on the track gain a competitive edge, and that’s what has led to a productive partnership between Michael Waltrip Racing and Jet Edge precision water jet cutting systems.
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The Edge X-5 five-axis waterjet system.
NO TIME TO WAIT
This is not the first collaboration between the race crew and Jet Edge. Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) has installed a second Jet Edge precision water jet cutting system at its fabrication shop in Cornelius, North Carolina. For its second waterjet machine, MWR selected Jet Edge’s new Edge X-5 five-axis waterjet cutting system, which is capable of cutting beveled and taper-free parts from virtually any material. The machine is powered by a 100 horsepower Jet Edge iP55-100 hydraulic intensifier pump that pressurizes water to 55,000 psi and features IGEMS CAD/CAM/Nesting software. This new multi-axis water jet system complements MWR’s existing three-axis 90,000 psi 100 horsepower High Rail Gantry system, installed in 2008.
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The Edge X-5 features patented Permalign cutting technology.
FROM THE RACE TRACK …
Jet Edge’s Edge X-5 five-axis waterjet system cuts precise taper-free parts from virtually any material. The system is capable of cutting sophisticated 3D parts such as impellers and bevels up to 50 degrees and is designed to provide years of dependable service in harsh industrial environments. Its sturdy design separates the motion system from the catcher tank, eliminating vibration and ensuring maximum part quality. The Edge X-5 utilizes an industrial PC controller. It is ball-screw driven for optimal precision and features direct-couple AC brushless digital servo motors and single or double carriages. Critical bearing components are protected with heavy metal covers with brush seals and positive air pressure. The Jet Edge Edge X-5 waterjet machine is available in many sizes, from 5 inch by 5 inch (127 millimeter by 127 millimeter) to 24 inch by 13 inch (609.6 millimeter by 330.2 millimeter). An optional second cutting head can be added to double productivity.
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This header flange was one of the first parts MWR cut with their Edge X-5.
MWR uses its Jet Edge waterjets to cut more than 1000 parts for each of its NASCAR Sprint Cup cars. It builds about fifty-six cars per year, including the #55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry driven by Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin and Brian Vickers, the #56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry driven by Martin Truex Jr., and the #15 5-Hour Energy Toyota Camry driven by Clint Bowyer.
“Our engineering department is very excited to have this powerful new tool,” says Tom German, MWR chief technical officer. “The Jet Edge Edge X-5 is taking our fabricating capabilities to a whole new level. In fact, we’ve already taken design improvements to the track and Victory Lane.”
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Precision controls allow operators to supply MWR with the right part each time.
…TO THE FLOOR SHOW
“MWR has a lot at stake when it comes to the performance and reliability of its manufacturing equipment,” Jet Edge president Jude Lague says. “We’re very proud that we’ve earned their confidence and that they chose Jet Edge for their second system.”
Jet Edge will introduce the Edge X-5 five-axis waterjet cutting system for the general public at FABTECH 2013, November 18 through 21 in Chicago, where representatives will conduct live five-axis water jet cutting demonstrations on its premiere 90KSI Edge X-5 waterjet system. The company also will exhibit several ultra-high pressure waterjet pumps, including its 90KSI X-Stream hydraulic intensifier pumps and the eco-friendly and budget-friendly Eco-Jet direct drive pump.
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JUST THE BEGINNING
Jet Edge offers the widest range of waterjet pumps in the industry. Its pumps include hydraulic intensifier pumps and direct drive pumps. 36KSI (2500 bar), 60KSI (4100 bar) and 90KSI (6200 bar) models are available from 30 to 280 horsepower in both electric and diesel models.
X-Stream Waterjet Intensifier Pump
Jet Edge’s 100 horsepower, 90KSI (75 kilowatt, 6200 bar), X-Stream xP90-100 waterjet intensifier pump is capable of producing 90KSI (6200 bar) and supports 75KSI (5200 bar) continuous operating pressure. The X-Stream achieves much faster cutting speeds and drastically lowers operating costs compared to traditional 60KSI (4100 bar) water jet pumps, enabling users to increase productivity and reduce part costs.
The X-Stream produces 50 percent more pressure than a 60KSI (4100 bar) intensifier pump, resulting in a 40 to 50 percent increase in productivity for many materials. Compared to a 60KSI (4100 bar) pump, typical operating pressures of 75KSI (5200 bar) use 30 percent less water, 30 percent less power, and up to 50 percent less abrasive, resulting in a 40 percent reduction in operating costs. The xP90-100 is capable of producing flow rates of 1.45 gallons per minute (5.49 liters per minute) and supports up to a 0.017 inches (0.43 millimeter) orifice. Fittings and tubing are rated for 100KSI (6900 bar). The X-Stream is backed by nearly 10 years of extensive research and development in hyper-pressure technology. The X-Stream also is available in a 50 horsepower (37 kilowatt) model.
Eco-Jet Direct Drive Waterjet Pump
Eco-friendly and budget-friendly, the 30 horsepower, 55KSI (22 kilowatt, 3800 bar) Jet Edge Eco-Jet waterjet pump features an efficient direct drive pump design that consumes up to 40 percent less electricity than a 50 horsepower (37 kilowatt) hydraulic intensifier pump, but produces the same output. The Eco-Jet produces up to 1 gallon per minute (3.78 liters per minute) of 55KSI (3800 bar) ultra-high pressure (UHP) water for precision cutting, cleaning and surface preparation applications. It runs a 0.015 inches (0.38 millimeters) waterjet orifice and can power most manufacturers’ waterjet cutting systems and waterjet tools. ■
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nancy Lauseng is marketing manager for Jet Edge, a leading manufacturer of ultra-high pressure waterjet technology. For more information about Jet Edge, visit www.jetedge.com or call 800.JET.EDGE or 763.497.8700. For more information about Michael Waltrip Racing, visit www.michaelwaltripracing.com.
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MODERN PUMPING TODAY, September 2013
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