A water jet cutting system is enabling a prcision foundry to remove remove components from the casting runners more efficiently before machining.

The capability of the McKenna Group - the Worksop, UK-based manufacturer of high precision cast components has been enhanced following installation of water jet cutting equipment supplied by Power Jet Systems of Wolverhampton. Power Jet Systems has recently supplied equipment from its 'Minijet' range to enable McKenna to more efficiently remove components from the casting runners prior to subsequent machining, heat treatment, etc. The PJS 'Minijet' system supplied to McKenna incorporates an abrasive management system which meters abrasive powder into the water jet cutting head to enhance its cutting ability.

The head operates on a cantilever system and is able to traverse a cutting area of 1.0m x 2.0m.

A cutting speed of up to 15m/min can be achieved with an accuracy of +/-0.1mm.

The motion system uses high precision rack and pinion drives and linear bearing systems.

The water jet is produced by a 30HP ultra high pressure generator capable of achieving a maximum operating pressure of 3,800 bar (55,000 lb/in2).

This UHP generator - together with the abrasive delivery system - was sourced from KMT, world leaders in water jet component technology.

The PJS equipment was supplied to McKenna as a complete 'turnkey' system including all hardware and operational software.

McKenna Group is a major supplier of components to a range of high integrity industries including orthopaedic, medical, aerospace, defence, oil and gas.

Its components are made using the 'lost wax' investment casting process in materials including stainless and cobalt chrome steels, aluminium and non-ferrous alloys.