Rotate or Replace the Slats

CAUTION

Bacteria in the tank water can build up. A minor break in the skin can introduce harmful bacteria into a wound. Always wear protective gloves if you have cuts or open wounds on your hands. Wear gloves that protect against sharp metal edges.

In time, table slats can become scored with deep garnet abrasive waterjet cuts and become unable to provide stability and support required for precision cutting. See the Maintenance Schedule for the recommended frequency for this task.

NOTE

The working life of a slat can be significantly improved by periodically rotating them to different table locations.

When replacing a defective slat, inspect the slat comb for excessive wear and replaced them as needed. Worn slat combs allow the slats to rock back and forth, which can interfere with cutting precision.

1. Open the lid and lock it in the upright position.
CAUTION

Use care when opening or closing the lid to avoid injury. Never let the lid free-fall. Keep hand, fingers, or body parts away from the side of the table when closing the lid.

2. Remove the garnet bins.

Figure 494  

3. Loosen the cutting deck bolts [1] and align the t-nuts [2] with the frame slot [3].

Figure 495  

4. Move the Y-axis to allow enough space to remove the cutting deck.
NOTICE

Use care when removing the cutting deck to avoid damage to the Y- and Z-axes and the nozzle assembly.

5. Carefully lift the cutting deck out of the catcher tank.

Figure 496  

6. Place a mark on the mounting plate of the fixturing plate location.

If a mark is not placed on the mounting plate, a new fixturing plate needs to be cut after re-installation.

Figure 497  

7. Loosen the fixturing plate screws [1] and remove the fixturing square [2].

Figure 498  

8. Remove the screws [1] and the mounting plates [2].

Figure 499  

9. Reinstall the screws [1] in the slat combs and hand-tighten to prevent dirt or debris from entering the screw threads.

Figure 500  

10. Remove all badly worn slats.
11. Tap the slat combs and slats with a soft blow mallet to dislodge encrusted garnet, if needed.

Figure 501  

12. Clean the slat combs and spray the slat assembly with a strong stream of water.

13. Rotate or replace slats as needed.
NOTE

Ensure the slat(s) [1] are seated flat against the slat comb slot [2]. Slightly raised slats can cause materials to wobble while cutting.

Figure 502  

14. Remove the screws and t-nuts from the mounting plate.
15. Apply a coat of anti-seize to the threads of the mounting plate screws and t-nuts.

16. Reinstall the mounting plates [2].
NOTE

Position the mounting plate with the square clamps towards the front of the cutting deck.

Figure 503  

17. Clean the frame t-slot [1], spray with a strong stream of water if needed.

Figure 504  

18. Reinstall the cutting deck.
NOTICE

Use care when installing the cutting deck to avoid damage to the Y- and Z-axes and the nozzle assembly.

a. Rotate the t-nuts to align with the frame slot and tighten the t-nut bolt.
b. Place the cutting deck on the frame with t-nuts [1] in the frame slot [2].

Figure 505  

c. Make sure that the notches in the cutting deck align with the front mounting plate brackets.

Figure 506  

d. Loosen the t-nuts completely, then tighten to lock in place.

Figure 507  

Figure 508  

19. Align the fixturing plate to the marks and tighten the screws [1] or recut the fixturing square [2]. See the Software Help files about fixturing squares.

Figure 509  

20. Reinstall the garnet bins.

Figure 510  

CAUTION

Use care when opening or closing the lid to avoid injury. Never let the lid free-fall. Keep hand, fingers, or body parts away from the side of the table when closing the lid.

21. Close the lid.