This document contains subject matter to which OMAX® Corporation has proprietary rights. Recipients of this document shall not duplicate, use, or disclose information contained herein, in whole or in part, for any use other than the purpose for which this manual was provided.

OMAX Corporation believes the information described in this manual is accurate and reliable. From time to time, design improvements will be made to the OMAX equipment. Photographs, text, and sketches within the body of this manual may not exactly represent your equipment. In general, this manual contains the most up-to-date information available. However, OMAX Corporation cannot accept any responsibility, financial or otherwise, for any consequences arising out of the use of this material. The information contained herein is subject to change, and revisions may be issued to advise of such changes or additions. OMAX strives to continually improve user documentation. If you have any questions or concerns about the content of this user’s guide, please e-mail us at tech_writing@omax.com, or contact us by mail at:

OMAX Corporation
Technical Publications
21409 72nd Avenue South
Kent, WA, USA 98032

 

OMAX Corporation is continually improving their equipment to bring you the best in abrasive waterjet machining technology. For that reason, your abrasive waterjet may differ slightly from what is described in this document. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-818-647-1994 or e-mail us at info@protomax.com. You can also receive technical support on-line at: Web: http://www.protomax.com.

 

Original Instructions in English
April 2018
© 2018 OMAX Corporation

Machine Safety Labels

The following safety labels may appear on the equipment. If ignored, physical injury, death, or equipment damage may occur. Read the complete safety information provided in the operation, installation or maintenance guide before installing, operating, or maintaining the equipment.

 

Safety Legend

The following safety signal word panels and paragraph notifications may appear throughout this and other documentation. Each provides safety issue identification and recommended actions to avoid the hazard. Be alert!

Follow the recommended safety actions and precautions to prevent injury or damage to the equipment.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

Used to address practices not related to physical injury—property damage only.

Used to provide supplementary information, emphasize a point or give a tip for easier operation.

Required Tools

The following table contains a list of tools with the appropriate sizes that are needed to maintain the ProtoMAX. Tools listed with part numbers are included with the ProtoMAX.

Icon	Tool	Size(s)
	Safety Glasses
	Gloves, latex
	Open-end wrench	10 mm
	Gloves, safety
	Allen wrench	5 mm
	Brush
	Spray bottle

Overview

Small parts can easily fall into the catcher tank after cutting. The polymer cutting bed provides a stable cutting platform that helps support the part while cutting, reducing the need for tabs. The density of the polymer cutting bed minimizes splashing and reduces noise during the cutting process. The reduced splashing helps to minimize movement when cutting parts from thin materials. Reduced splashing also minimizes frosting on the underside of parts. This guide provides the instructions to remove the slat bed assembly, install the polymer cutting bed assembly and replace the polymer cutting bed.

 

Components

Figure 1  

[1] Mounting plate, front	[3] Polymer board cutting bed	[5] Slat comb
[2] Cutting plate square	[4] Mounting plate, rear	[6] Slat comb support (x 2)

 

Preparation

1.

Drain water to below the garnet bins.

2.

Remove material holding kit, if installed.

3.

Move the X and Y-axes so the Z-axis is in the upper left corner of the cutting bed.

4.

Raise the Z-axis to the maximum upper position.

5.

Shut down the machine.

6.

Remove the abrasive feed tube from the nozzle.

Remove the Slat Bed Assembly

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 provide protection against sharp metal edges.

1.

Open the lid and lock it in the upright position.

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

2.

Remove the garnet bins.

Figure 2  

3.

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

Figure 3  

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

4.

Carefully lift the cutting bed out of the catcher tank.

Figure 4  

5.

Clean the frame t-slot [1] by spray with a strong stream of water.

Figure 5  

Install the Polymer Cutting Bed Assembly

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

1.

Rotate the t-nuts to align with the frame slot.

2.

Place the polymer cutting bed assembly on the frame with t-nuts in the frame slot.

Figure 6  

3.

Slide the polymer cutting bed forward so it is flush against the front frame [1] and aligned between the bracket mounting plates [2].

Figure 7  

4.

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

Figure 8  

5.

Reinstall the garnet bins.

Figure 9  

6.

Re-install the material holding clamps, see Install the Material Holding Kit.

7.

Fill the catcher tank with water to just below the top of the polymer cutting bed; adjust the tank drain height as needed.

8.

Close the lid.

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

9.

Cut the fixturing square; see the fixturing-square instructions and video.

Replace the Polymer Cutting bed

In time, the polymer cutting bed can become scored with deep garnet abrasive waterjet cuts and will be unable to provide the stability and support required for precision cutting.

The working life of a polymer cutting bed can be greatly improved by cutting at different table locations.

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 provide protection against sharp metal edges.

1.

Open the lid and lock it in the upright position.

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

2.

Remove the garnet bins.

Figure 10  

3.

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

Figure 11  

4.

Move the Y-axis to allow enough space to remove the cutting bed.

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

5.

Carefully lift the cutting bed out of the catcher tank.

Figure 12  

6.

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

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

Figure 13  

7.

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

Figure 14  

8.

Reinstall the screws [1] in the slat combs and hand-tighten.

Figure 15

9.

Remove the polymer cutting bed [2] from the slat combs (Figure 15).

10.

Clean the slat combs with a strong stream of water.

11.

Place a new polymer cutting bed in the slat combs.

12.

Remove the screws [1] from the slat combs and reinstall the mounting plates [2].

Figure 16  

Ensure the mounting plate with the square clamps is located at the front of the cutting bed.

13.

Clean the frame t-slot [1] by spraying with a strong stream of water if needed.

Figure 17  

14.

Reinstall the polymer cutting bed.

Use care when installing the cutting bed 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.

Figure 18  

b.

Place the polymer cutting bed on the frame with t-nuts [1] in the frame slot [2].

Figure 19  

c.

Slide the polymer cutting bed forward so it is flush against the front frame [1] and aligned between the bracket mounting plates [2].

Figure 20  

d.

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

Figure 21  

15.

Align the fixturing plate [1] to the marks and tighten the screws [2] or recut the fixturing square, see the fixturing-square instructions and video.

Cut the Fixturing Square

Figure 22  

16.

Reinstall the garnet bins.

17.

Close the lid.

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

Technical Support

Refer to the ProtoMAX website for technical support contact information.

Warranty

Contact Customer Support or go to the ProtoMAX website.