Cutting Systems

Robotic Waterjet Cutting Systems

Alliance Automation has over 20 years experience in designing and building robotic waterjet systems (straight water and abrasive) for many industries.

Robotic Waterjet Cutting

What is it?

Robotic Waterjet cutting uses high pressure water (60k PSI) to cut through a wide variety of materials.  Adding abrasive to the water stream allows you to cut much harder materials like metal.  Without abrasive (water only), you can cut through softer materials like textiles and composites.  

Using a 6-axis robot is more flexible than a standard XYZ waterjet because you are able to cut large 3-dimensional shapes.  These types of large molded parts are often used in the Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture and Marine Industries.

WATER 
Ideal For:

Best used for soft molded parts and composites materials.

ABRASIVE
Ideal for:

Best used for harder materials such as metals.

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Waterjet Solutions

Alliance Automation has over 20 years experience in designing and building robotic waterjet systems (straight water and abrasive) for many industries.

Compact Robotic Waterjet System

Compact waterjet robot cutting systems provide an economical solution for cutting a variety of part sizes and materials. Economical for small parts.

SINGLE STATION: Ideal for minimizing cost and floor space.
FORK POCKETS:  Ideal for relocating system on plant floor. 

Standard Features
  • Stainless Steel Collection Tank
  • 60K PSI Plumbing Package with swivel-less coils.
  • Block & Bleed Pressure Assembly
  • Logic Integrated into Controller
Robot Options
  • Yaskawa Motoman® GP25 waterjet Robot (1,730mm reach)
  • ABB IRB 2600 Waterjet Robot (1,650/1,850mm reach)
Optional Equipment
  • Intensifier Pump: Hypertherm Dynamax 350 50HP
  • Vacuum Cyclone: 25HP with silencer and collection cart
Software

For easily programming accurate shapes including circles, slots, squares and more.

  • Formcut® (Yaskawa Motoman Only)  
  • RobotWare Cutting (ABB Only)

Offline Programming Software

  • Motosim® EG-VRC (Yaskawa Motoman Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • RobotStudio® (ABB Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • Robotmaster® (Yaskawa Motoman, ABB) intelligent CAD to path robot programming. Automatic generation of cut programs from CAD models. Ideal for high mix, low volume parts which require accuracy.
Videos

Take a look at some recent projects using this waterjet cutting solution.

Cantilever Robotic Waterjet System

Compact waterjet robot cutting systems provide an economical solution for cutting a variety of part sizes and materials. Economical for various part sizes.

SINGLE STATION: Ideal for minimizing cost and floor space.
DUAL STATION:  Ideal for reducing operator load and unload time. 

Standard Features
  • Stainless Steel Collection Tank
  • 60K PSI Plumbing Package with swivel-less coils.
  • Block & Bleed Pressure Assembly
  • Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI or Logic Integrated into Controller
Robot Options
  • Yaskawa Motoman® GP20HL waterjet Robot (3,124mm reach)
  • ABB IRB 4600 Waterjet Robot (2,550mm reach)
Optional Equipment
  • Intensifier Pump: Hypertherm Dynamax 350 50HP
  • Vacuum Cyclone: 25HP with silencer and collection cart
Software

For easily programming accurate shapes including circles, slots, squares and more.

  • Formcut® (Yaskawa Motoman Only)  
  • RobotWare Cutting (ABB Only)

Offline Programming Software

  • Motosim® EG-VRC (Yaskawa Motoman Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • RobotStudio® (ABB Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • Robotmaster® (Yaskawa Motoman, ABB) intelligent CAD to path robot programming. Automatic generation of cut programs from CAD models. Ideal for high mix, low volume parts which require accuracy.
Videos

Take a look at some recent projects using this waterjet cutting solution.

Wall Mount Robotic Waterjet System

Single or Dual Robots wall mounted to a steel structure with a single load/unload station.  This solution is considered the most compact to save on floor space. Ideal for various part sizes.

SINGLE STATION: Ideal for minimizing cost and floor space.
DUAL TABLE (ROTARY WALL): Ideal for minimizing part load/unload times.    

Standard Features
  • Wall Mount Steel Structure
  • Stainless Steel Collection Tank
  • 60K PSI Plumbing Package with swivel-less coils.
  • Block & Bleed Pressure Assembly
  • Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI or Logic Integrated into Controller
Robot Options
  • Yaskawa Motoman® GP25 waterjet robot (1,730mm reach)
  • Yaskawa Motoman® GP35L waterjet robot (2,538mm reach)
  • ABB IRB 2600 Waterjet Robot (1,650/1,850mm reach)
Optional Equipment
  • Intensifier Pump: Hypertherm Dynamax 350 50HP
  • Vacuum Cyclone: 25HP with silencer and collection cart
  • Turntable: Rotary wall with two (2) fixture mounting locations 180 degrees opposed
Software

For easily programming accurate shapes including circles, slots, squares and more.

  • Formcut® (Yaskawa Motoman Only)  
  • RobotWare Cutting (ABB Only)

Offline Programming Software

  • Motosim® EG-VRC (Yaskawa Motoman Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • RobotStudio® (ABB Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • Robotmaster® (Yaskawa Motoman, ABB) intelligent CAD to path robot programming. Automatic generation of cut programs from CAD models. Ideal for high mix, low volume parts which require accuracy.

Overhead Gantry Robotic Waterjet System

Dual or Quad Robots invert mounted to a steel structure with a single load/unload station.  This solution is ideal for quick cycle times and high production volume. Ideal for large parts.

SINGLE STATION (PASS THROUGH): Ideal for minimizing floor space.
DUAL TABLE (ROTARY WALL or SHUTTLE):  Ideal for minimizing part load/unload times.    

Standard Features
  • Four Post Gantry Overhead Structure
  • Stainless Steel Collection Tank
  • 60K PSI Plumbing Package with swivel-less coils.
  • Block & Bleed Pressure Assembly
  • Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI or Logic Integrated into Controller
Robot Options
  • Yaskawa Motoman® GP25 waterjet robot (1,730mm reach)
  • ABB IRB 2600 Waterjet Robot (1,650/1,850mm reach)
Optional Equipment
  • Intensifier Pump: Hypertherm Dynamax 50HP, 75HP or 100HP
  • Vacuum Cyclone: 25HP with silencer and collection cart
  • Turntable: Rotary wall with two (2) fixture mounting locations 180 degrees opposed
  • Mezzanine: for housing control panel, intensifier and controllers to minimize floor space
Software

For easily programming accurate shapes including circles, slots, squares and more.

  • Formcut® (Yaskawa Motoman Only)  
  • RobotWare Cutting (ABB Only)

Offline Programming Software

  • Motosim® EG-VRC (Yaskawa Motoman Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • RobotStudio® (ABB Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • Robotmaster® (Yaskawa Motoman, ABB) intelligent CAD to path robot programming. Automatic generation of cut programs from CAD models. Ideal for high mix, low volume parts which require accuracy.

Enclosed Robotic Waterjet System

Dual, Triple or Quad Robots invert mounted to a steel structure with a single load/unload station.  This solution is ideal for quick cycle times and high production volume. Ideal for various part sizes.

DUAL TABLE (ROTARY WALL):  Ideal for minimizing part load/unload times.
NOISE REDUCTION: Sound deadening panels reduce noise levels.    

Standard Features
  • Rotary wall with two (2) fixture mounting locations 180 degrees opposed
  • Stainless Steel Collection Tank
  • 60K PSI Plumbing Package with swivel-less coils.
  • Block & Bleed Pressure Assembly
  • Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI
Robot Options
  • Yaskawa Motoman® GP25 waterjet robot (1,730mm reach)
  • Yaskawa Motoman® GP12 waterjet robot  (1,440mm reach)
  • ABB IRB 2600 waterjet Robot (1,650/1,850mm reach)
  • ABB IRB 1600 waterjet Robot (1,450mm reach)
Optional Equipment
  • Intensifier Pump: Hypertherm Dynamax 50HP, 75HP or 100HP
  • Vacuum Cyclone: 25HP with silencer and collection cart
  • Quick Tool Change Lifters: Lifts tool with locking mechanism for quick change carts.
Software

For easily programming accurate shapes including circles, slots, squares and more.

  • Formcut® (Yaskawa Motoman Only)  
  • Shape Generation Software (Fanuc Only)
  • RobotWare Cutting (ABB Only)

Offline Programming Software

  • Motosim® EG-VRC (Yaskawa Motoman Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • RobotStudio® (ABB Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • Robotmaster® (Yaskawa Motoman, ABB) intelligent CAD to path robot programming. Automatic generation of cut programs from CAD models. Ideal for high mix, low volume parts which require accuracy.
Videos

Take a look at some recent projects using this waterjet cutting solution.

Add-ons

Optional Equipment

These additional items can be added to your solution to make the system even more efficient and productive.

Optional Tuntable

Minimize cycle times with the turntable option.  Featuring two fixture tables 180 opposed to eliminate operator load/unload times.  The turntable is integrated into the robot controller and is programmed through the teach pendant as a 7th axis of the robot.  

Obtional Mezzanine

Minimize the system foot print with the optional mezzanine where the robot controllers, electrical panel and Intensifier can be mounted above.  A ladder is provided for maintenance access.

Intensifier Pumps

The heart of your waterjet system.  The Hypertherm Dynamax intensifier pumps are the ideal choice for your waterjet systems. Various options depending on your needs.

Optional Vacuum Cyclone

A vacuum system is important for part hold down and for collection of scrap and water. Featuring a 25HP motor delivering 4,400 CFM of suction. Anti-corrosion epoxy coated interior. Comes standard with a sound muffler and collection dump hopper.

Custom Solutions

We understand that not all customers need the same solution.  This is why we can custom engineer a waterjet system that best fits the customer needs.  Let us take at look at your application to find the best solution.

Explore

Abrasive Waterjet Solutions

Alliance Automation has over 20 years experience in designing and building robotic waterjet systems for many industries.

6-Axis Abrasive Robotic Waterjet Systems

Abrasive waterjet cutting uses abrasive to precisely cut a wide range of materials without heat distortion, delivering clean edges and excellent accuracy. Using a robot expands capabilities for complex shapes with 6-axis.

Abrasive Waterjet systems are often tailored for specific applications.  

Materials: Steel & stainless steel, Aluminum & copper, Titanium, Ceramics, Stone (granite, marble).

Example Applications
  • Domes and Pressure Vessel Ends
  • Pipes and Tanks
  • Weld Inspection Destructive Testing
  • Other complex 3-Dimentional parts
Standard Features
  • Bulk Garnet Hopper
  • Robot Mounted Mini-Hopper
  • 60K PSI Plumbing Package with swivel-less coils.
  • Block & Bleed Pressure Assembly
  • Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI or Logic Integrated into Controller
Robot Options
  • Yaskawa Motoman® waterjet Robots
  • ABB Waterjet Robots
Optional Equipment
  • Intensifier Pumps: Hypertherm Dynamax Series
  • Closed Loop Filtration: Garnet Removal and Closed Loop System
Software

For easily programming accurate shapes including circles, slots, squares and more.

  • Formcut® (Yaskawa Motoman Only)  
  • RobotWare Cutting (ABB Only)

Offline Programming Software

  • Motosim® EG-VRC (Yaskawa Motoman Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • RobotStudio® (ABB Only) for programming robots on a PC, reducing machine down time for programming.
  • Robotmaster® (Yaskawa Motoman, ABB) intelligent CAD to path robot programming. Automatic generation of cut programs from CAD models. Ideal for high mix, low volume parts which require accuracy.
Abrasive Waterjet - Destructive Testing

Companies often utilize abrasive waterjet systems for destructive testing due to their precision and versatility in cutting a wide range of materials. The high-pressure water mixed with abrasive particles can accurately create precise cuts, allowing engineers to examine the structural integrity of materials under extreme conditions. This testing method is especially valuable for evaluating the durability, strength, and failure points of materials, components, or prototypes, providing crucial insights for product development, quality assurance, and safety compliance purposes.

Enclosed Abrasive Waterjet Cutting

A company may prefer an abrasive waterjet over a standard waterjet system due to its enhanced cutting capabilities and versatility. The addition of abrasive particles in the waterjet stream significantly increases cutting power, allowing for the efficient processing of a wider range of materials, including hard metals and composites. This capability is particularly beneficial for industries requiring precise and clean cuts in challenging materials or intricate designs, such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. Additionally, abrasive waterjet systems offer greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness by reducing the need for secondary finishing processes, making them a preferred choice for companies seeking advanced cutting solutions.

Our Process

Alliance Automation Process

Alliance Automation, LLC is your dedicated partner in the complete process of building and designing a waterjet system. From start to finish, we are here to provide comprehensive support and expertise. Our team of skilled professionals understands the intricacies of waterjet technology and possesses extensive experience in system integration.

We begin by thoroughly assessing your specific requirements, ensuring that we tailor a solution to meet your unique needs. Our experts then work closely with you to design and engineer a state-of-the-art waterjet system that maximizes efficiency, precision, and productivity. We handle everything from equipment selection and procurement to installation, calibration, and testing. With Alliance Automation, you can trust that we will guide you through every step of the process, delivering a top-of-the-line waterjet system that exceeds your expectations.

Design

Alliance Automation specializes in using CAD data to create a realistic simulations of your cutting application.  Cycle time and overall feasibility are estimated more accurately allowing you to be confident in calculating ROI.  This is a very important process to turn your concepts into reality.

  • Realistic Simulations
Development

Our team carefully selects and integrates the necessary components, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimize performance and efficiency. We handle the entire building process, meticulously assembling and testing each component to ensure precision and reliability. Our attention to detail guarantees that your waterjet system is built to the highest standards, meeting and exceeding your expectations. With Alliance Automation, LLC, you can trust that your vision will be transformed into a state-of-the-art waterjet system that empowers your operations.

Programming

After the water system is assembled, the programming process begins. First, skilled programmers analyze the system's specifications and design a comprehensive plan for programming the robots. This involves coding the robots to precisely cut parts according to specific measurements and requirements. The programmers also focus on integrating quality control mechanisms to verify that everything is functioning correctly and consistently. They fine-tune the programming to maximize efficiency, reducing production time and minimizing errors. Through rigorous testing and iterations, the programming team guarantees that the water system operates flawlessly, delivering precise and effective results in cutting parts while maintaining optimal performance standards.

  • Offline Programming (CAD to path)
  • Formcut® Shape Generation Software (Motoman)
  • RobotWare Cutting® Shape Generation Software (ABB)  
Installation

Trained professionals carefully assess the facility's layout and requirements to determine the optimal placement and configuration of the system. Once the positioning is finalized, the installation team commences with the assembly and integration of the equipment, ensuring that all components are securely connected and aligned. Additionally, they work closely with the client to ensure any necessary modifications or adaptations are made to the existing infrastructure. Throughout the process, strict adherence to safety protocols is maintained to safeguard both personnel and property. Finally, rigorous testing and calibration are conducted to verify that the water system is fully operational, allowing the client to benefit from its advanced capabilities seamlessly and effectively in their plant or warehouse environment.

Maintenance

When you purchase a waterjet system from Alliance Automation, we not only provide you with a cutting-edge solution but also ensure comprehensive maintenance support to keep your system running smoothly. We offer a wide range of maintenance services to meet your needs. Our inventory includes high-quality spare parts, readily available to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. Additionally, we provide online programming assistance, allowing our experts to remotely troubleshoot and optimize your system's performance. Our team also offers offline programming services, enabling you to efficiently plan and prepare cutting programs offline, saving valuable production time. With Alliance Automation, you can rely on our commitment to providing top-notch maintenance services, ensuring your water system remains in peak condition and delivers exceptional results.

  • Spare Parts We keep a large inventory of high pressure tubing and components to quickly ship these critical spare parts.  Waterjet coils can be made and shipped the same day they are ordered for almost any robot system.  

Experience a smarter way to automate your systems.

Learn more about how Alliance Automation can help move your business forward.