When purchasing a water jet cutting system, there are many factors to consider. Most buyers focus on the obvious factors when making a decision, including budget, footprint, capability, and system compatibility. While these are certainly important issues to consider, you must also think about your intended application, and the ideal configuration necessary to execute that application.
Many times, the terms application and configuration are used interchangeably or so closely together that it’s hard to tell the difference, much less what each term actually means. Understanding the difference between the terms – and how each one applies to your unique system purchase – is important.
Let’s explore the meaning behind the terms application and custom configuration as they relate to water jet cutting systems – and your purchasing decision process.
In the water jet cutting industry, the term application applies directly to the actual use of high-pressure water to accomplish a set task. Examples of common applications include surface preparation, slitting, piercing unique materials and contour shape cutting. In many cases, these applications can be accomplished by a variety of means. For example, your business could prepare a surface by hand sanding, running it through a machine or sand blasting.
When considering a water jet cutting system purchase, it is important to calculate the cost and quality of performing your intended application with the tool available to you today, under current conditions. Comparing the costs and end quality of executing the application in your current scenario against the potential of using a waterjet cutting system to accomplish the same task should reveal valuable information. In most cases, the investment into a water jet cutting system is likely to pay for itself in money, time and material saved executing your intended application.
Where the term application is focused on an end goal, the term configuration relates to the actual customization of a stock system and equipment needed to accomplish the task being performed. When creating a custom configuration, your end goals are likely focused on quality, throughput, and user safety.
To develop the custom configuration necessary to execute your intended application as cost-effectively, efficiently, and safely as possible, it is important to consider a number of critical factors, including:
While we’ve clearly established that the terms application and configuration are vastly different things, the two go together when designing, purchasing, and using a water jet cutting system. Simply put, you cannot make an informed or effective buying decision without considering both your application and a custom configuration.
For example, clearly identifying all use applications, then designing a configuration capable of executing each one is a great way to maximize the investment into your system.
Not all water jet cutting systems are created equally, nor are two applications the exact same. Our team is here to provide the guidance you need to make informed and effective purchasing decisions.
Our experts offer a number of helpful exercises designed to help inform the decision-making process, including:
Whether you are just beginning your exploration of a cutting system or considering upgrading your current capabilities, Jet Edge can help. Schedule an application analysis today to learn more about the potential impact a Jet Edge system can have on your operations.
Since 1984, Jet Edge has been designing and manufacturing Ultra-High-Pressure Water jet technology that doesn't back down. Our systems are used around the world in a broad range of industries from the world's leading airlines, to automotive, aerospace and industrial manufacturers, and machine job shops.
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