A global specialist in yacht refit, restoration and custom build required a specialised waterjet cutting machine to bolster its UK production capabilities. Known for exacting quality standards, the company is renowned for ensuring every project is executed with the highest levels of craftsmanship and precision

After extensive market research and site visits to OEMs and end users, the customer chose Water Jet Sweden. With an array of over 100 machine configurations, each Water Jet Sweden machine is built to order. This ensures that the customer could be confident in receiving a machine tailored to its exact specifications.

The customer opted for the NCP40 model, a premium water-jet cutter which is suitable for both 2D and five-axis 3D cutting. Selecting the larger table option extended the working range to 4.2 m. This choice was driven by the redesigned NCP40 and NCP30 models, which now feature extended working ranges to accommodate the growing adoption of BevelJet60 and AlphaJet five-axis technology solutions. The extended range allows full 3 and 4 m working ranges, even at extreme cutting angles.

For the processing of thick plates, the customer opted for the 6000 bar cutting head. According to Water Jet Sweden, this technology package offers the fastest abrasive waterjet cutting in the industry, providing higher throughput while reducing the processing cost per unit length of cut. Despite the higher initial capital cost, this investment promised a short payback period, aligning with the customer’s need for efficient and cost-effective production.

The NCP40 machine will cut custom plates used in the overhaul and repair of yachts. These tasks range from cutting external structural pieces for the hull to creating decks and aesthetic finishing panels.

More information www.waterjetsweden.co.uk

Amada recently held a hugely successful exhibition for the apprentices of its customers in a showcase dedicated to the education of future engineers. Believed to be the first event of its type in the sheet metal sector, the exhibition took place at the company’s UK Technical Centre in Kidderminster. Hosting the event were Amada’s own apprentices, engaging on an equal level with the apprentices of customers to help them learn about the latest advances in sheet metal component manufacturing.

The informative, educational exhibition proved a roaring success, with a total of 85 visiting apprentices in attendance. One company brought all 10 of its apprentices, three of which only started two days before the event. The structure of the exhibition provided visitors with the opportunity to attend technical presentations, watch eye-catching machine demonstrations and participate in a Q&A session – all in an apprentice-led environment.

Laser cutters, press brakes, punching machines, laser-punch combination machines, automation, software and machine monitoring featured heavily, highlighting the complete Amada solution. Apprentices also received a tour of the company’s UK Technical Centre.

“The idea behind this innovative exhibition was to introduce young engineers to our technology as part of an educational and entertaining event,” says Amada UK’s managing director Paul Mansfield. “We felt that using our own apprentices as hosts would help their visiting peers feel more comfortable and promote better engagement. In turn, the event provided our apprentices with experience in speaking to customers, building confidence and pride in the brand they represent.”

Fun was high on the agenda. Visitors were able to ‘have a go’ at making a model biplane from mild steel on a state-of-the-art Amada laser cutting machine. They could also take part in a Batak machine competition.

More information www.amada.eu