Cutting service provider AquaJet completed a deal with a local supplier to procure its fifth water-jet cutting machine.
The machine is a jetstream cutter that boasts an impressive 4 000 mm by 3 000 mm bed.
“We are still in the process of testing its capabilities, and training our staff to operate the machine,” explains AquaJet technical sales, marketing and branding manager Dwayne Carlse.
AquaJet currently uses US company Omax water-jet machines.
“Omax machines are of superior quality and are the heart of our operation. Our machines allow us to provide a fully customised experience in terms of pricing and lead times to our customers.”
Carlse also stresses that, while water-jet cutting can be more expensive than traditional cutting methods, the company’s cutting qualities ensure that no additional finishing process is required.
This benefit reduces customer production time, as well as costs for additional labour for machining.
The company possesses both water-jet and laser cutting capabilities, and Carlse points out that AquaJet’s customers are “excited to have a choice between the two methods”.
While most customers prefer water-jet cutting, some choose laser cutting if a larger number of components must be produced quickly.
“The water-jet cutting side is where there is the highest need. We are, however, in discussions about increasing our laser capabilities.”
Carlse highlights that industrial companies are now more conscious of decisions that may adversely affect the environment, which could increase the demand for water-jet cutting services.
Highlighting the sustainability benefits of decreasing material wastage through water-jet cutting, Carlse affirms that AquaJet also offers no material composition changes in its water-jet cutting process, as no heat is added during the process.
Plates also do not warp or distort, and there will also be no visible cutting line, such as in traditional cutting methods, adds Carlse.
AquaJet’s “state-of-the-art machines” also afford the company the ability to reduce narrow kerf, which minimises material wastage and produces no hazardous waste.
Industry Growth
Carlse emphasises that growth opportunities for AquaJet lie within the mining and engineering industries where timing is crucial, and companies prefer a finished product
.
The company is trying to increase its visibility in the mining industry, and is hopeful that it will become the premier supplier in manufacturing for larger projects.
Carlse notes that AquaJet attended the CAMINEX 2023 event in Zambia, where the company took home first prize in the foreign exhibitor category.
The company also attended the Democratic Republic of Congo Mining Week, held in Lubumbashi earlier this month.