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Riverside, IL 60546

Phone: (630) 678-1520

Fax: (630) 678-1521

info@ibhautomation.com

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Water Jet F.A.Q.'s

 
                 
 

Following are some frequently asked questions about the water jet.

 If you have a question not listed, please fill out the question form and submit it.

 
   

Questions & Answers

Questions
 
1) Is the machine available in different sizes? 2) Who is Marbach?
3) Why should buy this water jet versus somebody else's water jet? 4) Is the machine built rigid and solid enough?
5) What other applications can I use this machine for? 6) Where can I see a water jet or get more information?
7) Can I get service in the U.S.? 8) Is the machine self-contained?
9) How much space does the machine need? 10) What are the voltage requirements of the machine?
11) Can I cut with abrasives? 12) What if I already have another CAD/CAM system?
13) How do I program my machine? 14) What about spare parts?
15) Do I have to buy a CAD package with each machine? 16) How does the CAD interface to the machine?
17) I've heard so much about "nesting," can you explain that? 18) What is an OEM water jet?
19) How much does the machine cost?    
 
Answers
 

1.)  Is this machine available in different sizes?

The machine is actually ideal for a die-cutting shop.  As a matter of fact, Marbach, in Germany, is a die-making company, and they designed the water jet specifically for this task.  So it's well thought through.  The work area (actual cutting area) is 500 x 500 x 50mm.  This is  ideal for a die shop with its small footprint and high speed.

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2.)  Who is Marbach?

Marbach Automation is a European company dedicated to the die-cutting and packaging industry.  They are one of the largest die-makers in Europe and have designed numerous products, including the water jet, with their own experience and expertise in mind.  November 17th, 2001:  Marbach President, Mr. Karl Marbach, was given the IADD 2001 "Diemaker of The Year" award.  Mr. Marbach was the first non-American to receive this prestigious award.   IADD (International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking)

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3.)  Why should I buy this water jet versus somebody else's water jet?

Because it's simply the best.  It's a machine that is shop oriented and designed for the die-making shop.  In addition, programming and production can be at the same place. 

Quite frankly, it's the fastest, quietest, and safest machine on the market (1g acceleration).  A stylish cover completely encloses the work area allowing for extremely safe operation and fewer decibels in the work place. 

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4.)  Is the machine built rigid and solid enough?

Yes.  All components are of either stainless steel or galvanized steel.  The base is constructed of  welded profiles 200mm x 80mm x 8mm (7.87" x 3.15" x .31").  We don't even know of larger machines that use an 8mm (.31") thick profile!  This is why it can accelerate at 1g with less vibration.

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5.)  What other applications can I use this machine for?

Again, it's designed for the die cutting industry, but it also can be used in the textile industry to cut parts for clothing, the shoe industry (leather cutting), some people use it in the marketing and printing industry, and to cut materials like foam (mouse pads for example).  Another possibility is food preparation.  (Must follow FDA guidelines).

Some other industries include:

- Linoleum and carpet cutting
- Rubber washer industry
- Toys, for example, foam 3D puzzles
- Cork
- Rubber tiles for floors

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6.)  Where can I see one or get more information?

IBH Automation, in Lombard, IL, is the North American distributor & service representative.  We occasionally have water jets on display here at IBH, we can also arrange for a demonstration at an existing customer near you.  You can find some additional information on the water jet by visiting the water jet main page.  If you would still like more information, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page. 

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7.)  Can I get service in the U.S.?

The machine was designed with components from manufacturers that have service in the United States.  For example, controls can be serviced by IBH Automation, Inc.  The high-pressure pump can be serviced by IBH or KMT (office in Kansas).  So, yes, you can get service in the U.S.  If you have further service concerns, please contact IBH or fill in the questions form below.

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8.)  Is the machine self-contained?

The "water jet" consists of two main units; the actual water jet machine, and a high-pressure pump made by KMT.  The water jet machine (see picture on specifications page) contains the high-pressure nozzle, CNC control, digital Sercos motors and drives (fiber-optic communication between control and drive), and operator interface.  The KMT high-pressure pump is self contained and has a large easy to read pressure gauge for real time pressure monitoring and adjustment. 

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9.)  How much space does the machine need?

It has the smallest footprint in the industry and it allows for flexible installation.  There are various ways to configure the machine and high-pressure pump.  Floor plan diagrams are available for serious inquires.

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10.)  What are the voltage requirements of the machine?

The water jet consists of the water jet machine, and a KMT high-pressure (60,000 PSI) pump housed in a separate enclosure.  Both units take standard 480V 3-phase @ 36A combined.  We use a 30KVA transformer (240V 3-phase primary, 480V 3-phase secondary)

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11.)  Can I cut with abrasives?

No.  The Marbajet is a "pure water" system.  Abrasive material cannot be run through the system.  Instead of making a multi-purpose water jet, Marbach has made a 150% qualified tool for the die-cutting industry.  Using a pure water system, the work area is much cleaner and the machine can be used for cutting other materials, such as leater, gasket material, foam, medical materials, etc.

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12.)  What if I already have another CAD/CAM system?

We recommend to use Impact because of it's high integration level with the marbajet.  Using Impact also allows you to import most file types used by CAD systems in the diecutting field.  However, if you wish to use a different CAD system, then all that would be required is a modification of the post processor in your CAD.

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13.)  How do I program my machine?

The machine comes with Impact CAD; the most advanced CAD system for rubber cutting.  Impact allows importing of many file types, automatic numbering of rubber pieces, advanced part nesting, 3D modeling, operator friendly interface, and more...

Import Filters:
AI/EPS/Postscript, Adobe PDF, AutoCAD DXF, AutoCAD DWG, Cadimac, CFF2, DDES2, DDES3(soon available), DesignPack 2000, ElcedeDieCAD, HPGL, IGES, IPDS v4, Impact 1.3, Impact v2, and Laserline.  Standard is .dds

There is a large library of standard boxes that can be used as a base, or simply import your own drawing.  After programming is complete, simply output the file to the machine (3 mouse clicks) and press the start button on the machine to cut out your rubber.  It's that easy!

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14.)  What about spare parts?

IBH stocks a wide range of parts (in the U.S.) for the Marbajet, including all cutting head parts, filters, nozzles, and even wear parts for the high pressure pump.  Parts can arrive at your facility next day or same day if you're by an airport.  KMT stocks all wear items right in Baxter Springs, KS and has 24/7 technical support.  Parts can be shipped same or next day. 

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15.)  Do I have to buy a CAD package with each machine?

No.  One CAD package can be used on up to 99 machines.  So, the CAD software is a one-time investment.

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16.)  How does the CAD interface to the machine?

The CAD system runs on a separate PC that is connected to the machine via and Ethernet cable, or the machine is connected to your LAN (local area network) and the CAD is installed on a PC participating in this network.  (If a separate PC is used for the CAD, the machine comes with a "Serv" switch allowing the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to be used on both machines and switched by the press of a button.)

Other network configurations are available, however Ethernet is the most common.  An Ethernet network allows very fast (up to 100Mbps) data transfer and easy configuration. 

The Marbajet uses the network to search for and run files generated by the CAD system.

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17.)  I heard so much about "nesting," can you explain that for me?

Nesting is an advanced feature of the CAD software.  Let's say you have a 50" x 35" dieboard with 2,900" of rule that you need to rubber.  The CAD automatically figures out the best layout for the rubber pieces on the sheet of rubber and "nests" them together.  Now, you have 2 compact 18" x 18" sheets of rubber containing all your rubber pieces for the die board.  Not only does this drastically cut down on the amount of waste and the cost of rubber, but shipping and handling of the rubber sheets is much cheaper and easier.  Oh, I almost forgot... the CAD system will automatically number all your rubber pieces and print out a sheet showing the location of each piece on the die board.  Your employees will spend a lot less time rubbering a die!

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18.)  What is an OEM water jet?

First of all, the Marbajet is simply the best water jet system for rubber cutting.  However, many people asked us how they could take advantage of this pure water system in other areas of "life" such as the food industry or in the field of seals and gaskets. 

Sometimes these people need different configurations, often only one axis that might not even involve a CNC. 

IBH, as a systems interator, decided to work with the people in these industries and offer a, so called, "OEM application."  We take the good core ingredients, the high pressure pump, the cutting head, and optionally the motor and drive system and the CNC and work with the customer on a custom solution...

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19.)  How much does the machine cost?

Please contact IBH Automation for pricing.  

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