Cms Aquatec Large-Format 3-Axis and 5-Axis Waterjet Cutting System

The CMS Aquatec is a heavy-duty, modular waterjet cutting system developed for manufacturers requiring large working areas, high structural rigidity and flexible access for loading and unloading.

The same Aquatec platform can be configured for processing glass, natural stone, marble, granite, quartz, engineered stone, ceramic, sintered slabs and other specialist materials.

Its open-frame gantry construction uses separate, high-thickness steel supports fixed directly to the floor. This creates a rigid machine structure capable of maintaining accuracy during rapid movement and demanding cutting cycles.

Unlike compact monoblock waterjets, the Aquatec is designed around a modular machine frame and separate cutting tank. This makes it particularly suitable for large-format production, heavy slabs and applications where easy access around the worktable is essential.

The cutting area can be accessed from two or four sides, depending on the machine layout. This simplifies loading and unloading using cranes, vacuum lifters, forklifts or other material-handling equipment.

Aquatec is available with three-axis or five-axis cutting technology. The three-axis head provides accurate vertical waterjet cutting, while the optional five-axis head enables bevels, chamfers, inclined cuts, taper compensation and three-dimensional machining.

The machine movements, including the cutting-head axes, use high-precision hardened and ground rack-and-pinion systems driven by brushless motors.

Steel guards and polyurethane bellows protect the principal movement components from water, abrasive garnet and cutting dust.

CMS lists rapid speeds of up to 54 m/min and acceleration up to 2 m/s² for standard Aquatec configurations. Larger Twin systems can be configured for even higher production speeds, depending on the model and final specification.

The Aquatec’s open gantry and modular frame allow the cutting tank to be positioned to suit factory access and material flow.

For certain configurations, the tank can be rotated by 90 degrees relative to the machine runway. This creates additional loading space and can make handling large slabs or glass sheets easier.

Alternative configurations can provide cutting envelopes of up to approximately 6000 × 3000 mm, making the Aquatec suitable for large architectural glass, oversized stone slabs, façade components and specialist industrial products.

The optional CMS five-axis cutting head combines a tilting B axis with a rotating C axis. Depending on the selected configuration, the C axis can provide continuous or extended rotation for efficient nesting and uninterrupted complex cutting paths.

Five-axis capability allows the Aquatec to produce bevelled edges, chamfers, inclined profiles, countersinks and three-dimensional components.

Automatic taper compensation helps reduce the natural conicity created during abrasive-waterjet cutting, improving dimensional accuracy and edge quality.

The cutting head can also be equipped with automatic probing, collision protection and monitoring of the principal wear components.

An electronic abrasive hopper regulates the supply of garnet to the cutting head. If abrasive flow is interrupted, the machine can stop the cutting cycle to reduce the risk of damaged or incomplete components.

The Aquatec can be configured with a pressurised abrasive-feeding system holding approximately 330 kg of garnet.

For longer production runs, a two-stage abrasive-storage system with capacity up to approximately 2000 kg can be supplied, allowing abrasive to be replenished while the machine remains in production.

The cutting tank can be equipped with an automatic dredging system to remove spent abrasive. This reduces manual tank cleaning and supports consistent operation in higher-volume production environments.

An optional automatic water-level system raises the water around the workpiece for submerged cutting. This reduces noise and helps contain water and abrasive spray.

The machine can also be equipped with a worktable-cleaning system that removes debris and garnet from the cutting area after production.

For glass applications, this cleaning system helps reduce the risk of scratches and supports accurate material-height detection.

A high-precision package is available for applications requiring tighter positioning and repeatability. This uses upgraded rack-and-pinion gearboxes on the X and Y axes.

The Aquatec can also be supplied with the high-pressure actuator and circuit installed directly on the crossbeam. This reduces the length of high-pressure pipework between the pump and cutting head and can simplify the machine layout.

Different table layouts, cutting areas and twin-tank arrangements are available. A twin system allows one cutting area to operate while the second area is loaded or unloaded, increasing productivity in industrial environments.

Easyjet DDX CAD/CAM software manages three- and five-axis waterjet programming, automatic nesting, cutting-path generation, machining simulation and production costing.

The integrated materials database supports different cutting-quality levels and automatically applies suitable speeds, accelerations and corner settings.

Stone & Glass Group supplies the CMS Aquatec throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland for both glass and stone processing. Glass configurations are also supplied and supported throughout the Benelux.

Our support includes application assessment, machine selection, factory-layout planning, pump specification, installation, commissioning, operator training, software, consumables, spare parts and ongoing technical service.