Quality Control Precision And Automation in Micro Waterjet Cutting

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With the Quick Vision Apex three-dimensional CNC image processing measuring device from Mitutoyo, Watajet has significantly automated its quality control for precise components.

With a 3D CNC image processing measuring device from Mitutoyo, Watajet has improved quality control for high-precision components, which are often micro-components.

Watajet in Besnate near Milan specializes in micro waterjet cutting technology and offers this as a service. According to the company, Watajet systems can process materials without any significant loss of quality. The company is one of the few in Europe to use this cutting process on a production scale. Using water jets with a diameter of just 0.008 inches, high pressure and ultra-fine abrasives, Watajet can cut extremely hard and extremely sensitive materials on behalf of customers without altering the material at the cut edges, as would be the case with laser cutting or spark erosion.

Watajet can machine materials such as special steels, titanium, ceramics, multi-layer composites, engineering plastics and glass. The company is able to maintain tight tolerances even with very small parts. Typical areas of application for such components are biomedicine, aerospace and scientific research.

Automated Measurement Technology for Precise Components

The Quick Vision Apex from Mitutoyo is ideal for such work. The investment in state-of-the-art measuring technology also made sense because more and more of Watajet's customers want complete control of the parts. Normally, this demand required a great deal of manual work or the use of several measuring devices. The use of the Quick Vision Apex from Mitutoyo was an efficient and (metrologically) convincing solution here. This 3D CNC image processing measuring device developed by Mitutoyo has improved quality assurance by combining three technologies in a single system. The high-resolution optical image processing enables the measurement of two-dimensional components and micro-profiles. The contact probe enables the measurement of three-dimensional elements or cylindrical surfaces. And the laser captures profiles and height measurements with extremely high precision. All three processes are used within a single, fully programmable cycle—similar to a CNC machine tool.

Measuring Cycles in Continuous Operation

The ability to program complete measuring cycles for autonomous operation of the measuring device allows Watajet to check even very large batches and ensure consistent precision. In addition, all quality data can be fully traced back.

The Quick Vision Apex is started at the beginning of each working day and then works for hours without interruption. Watajet states that it automatically generates daily reports, documents measurement cycles in a clearly structured manner and can repeat even complex test sequences exactly. The company also largely automates its measurement processes. According to Watajet, this enables it to meet even very demanding customer requirements in a reasonable amount of time.

Watajet states that the Quick Vision Apex can also be used to carry out inspections that were previously difficult to implement. The system can even measure complex 3D components, deep micro bores or profiles in very hard materials precisely and with repeat accuracy.

Reliable Measurement Technology in Everyday Production

Reliability also speaks for Mitutoyo—not only in three-dimensional image processing measurement. Watajet also uses manual measuring equipment from Mitutoyo such as calipers and micrometers. According to the company, these work reliably for many years and deliver consistently precise measurement results, which is particularly important as many customers come from regulated industries where errors are not tolerated.

The cooperation with Mitutoyo is not just limited to technology, but is also based on mutual trust. According to Watajet, a contact person is always available to answer questions, which is very important for a company with very complex components.

Thanks to the Quick Vision Apex, Watajet says it is able to guarantee 100% dimensional inspection even for complex products and larger quantities—with significantly shorter measuring times and repeatable processes. The measuring device also makes it possible to increase production quantities without compromising on quality. At the same time, Watajet can concentrate more on machining processes with high added value, while the automated three-dimensional measuring device takes over the measuring tasks.

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