Dec 29 2010
Flow International has introduced a new combination of robotic waterjet and saw cutting system called Mach 4r. The system maximizes countertop cutting, enhances functional efficiency and increases shop’s productivity.
Flow International's Robotic Waterjet and Saw Cutting System, Mach 4r
The saw and robotic waterjet combination offers quick straight-line cutting, accurate corner radius and optimum material usage. An ultra-precise and reliable robot and superior software further assist the productivity enhancements. Clients can choose a number of flow pumps for their system.
The foundry-grade 6-Axis robot has an expanded reach of 3.1 m and a maintenance cycle of 20,000 h. It uses a Flow International Paser waterjet cutting system, a superior horsepower saw for countertop production and a 20 hp direct drive. Twin work zones enable the operator to load and cut slabs in tandem, resulting in quick production time. The system uses a simple software to program its automatic tool pathing and thus eradicates the requirement for g-code knowledge usually needed by CNC machines. The system accepts all-important CAD program files directly.
The Mach 4r uses a vision system to transmit the stone slab pictures to the operating monitor, which in turn permits dxf drawings to be applied to the slab to immediately start the cutting process. Vein matching software merges various slabs’ stone pieces for accurate color matches. Inventory management software effortlessly lists slabs online utilizing pictures and bar coding for optimum arrangement of slab inventory.