RRS Page 2

A material thickness of 6 inches is considered to be the current maximum effective depth of cut. Tolerances of 0.005” to 0.010” become difficult to obtain in deeper cuts. As pictured below right, a slight deformation or burr often results at the bottom of the cut. The point results from the trailing edge of the waterjet stream and is usually 0.040” in length and 0.040”-0.060” in width.

With the current tool configuration, a 7/8” diameter cut in six-inch thick material, effectively a 9-ply connection point can be reliably completed in a 5 minute 40 second cut cycle. Faster rates occur on thinner ply connections.

Rivet removal, depicted right, occurs by simultaneously cutting through the top and bottom crown. The shank is effectively cored during this process and simply falls, as do both rivet heads, from the resulting hole.

Over sizing the hole, often specified in removal projects, eliminates secondary reaming procedures, which are commonly required for insertion of a replacement bolt. Fabrication errors and misaligned holes in the laminated plies, section loss, and multiple paint coating have no negative effect on the removal process.