Cms Smartline 3-Axis and 5-Axis Waterjet Cutting System

The CMS Smartline is a compact, high-performance waterjet cutting system developed for glass processors requiring excellent cutting quality, production efficiency and flexible machine configuration.

Available with three-axis or five-axis technology, the Smartline can perform straight cuts, shaped profiles, internal cut-outs, small radii, inclined cuts, bevels and more complex glass components.

The machine is suitable for architectural glass, laminated safety glass, façades, windows, glass flooring, stair components, shower screens, furniture glass, automotive glass, marine glass and other specialist applications.

Its open-frame structure combines an electrically driven gantry with linear guides integrated into a rigid cutting tank. This arrangement provides excellent access to the worktable while maintaining the stability required for accurate production.

Loading and unloading are straightforward, with clear access to the cutting area for glass sheets and finished components.

All principal movements use hardened and ground rack-and-pinion transmission. The X-axis guides and rack are protected by thermally welded bellows, while the Y-axis is protected by formed metal panels.

These protective systems help prevent water, abrasive garnet and cutting debris from reaching the transmission components, supporting reliable operation and long service life.

The steel machine structure is sandblasted and finished with a ceramic anti-corrosion coating. This provides increased resistance to moisture, abrasive material and the demanding conditions associated with waterjet cutting.

The Smartline is available in 2030 and 2040 configurations. The Smartline 2030 provides a working area of approximately 3000 × 2000 mm, while the Smartline 2040 extends the X-axis working area to 4000 mm.

Rapid axis speeds of up to 50 m/min and acceleration of up to 3 m/s² place the Smartline among the faster machines in its category. These dynamic movements help reduce non-cutting time between profiles and improve overall productivity.

The machine can be equipped with a standard three-axis cutting head for vertical waterjet processing or with the optional CMS JD5ax five-axis head.

The JD5ax cutting head combines an infinitely rotating C axis with a tilting B axis capable of approximately ±62°. This enables bevel cutting, chamfering, inclined profiles, countersinking and more complex three-dimensional machining.

Automatic taper compensation reduces the natural conicity created by abrasive-waterjet cutting, improving edge quality and dimensional accuracy on thicker glass.

The five-axis head also includes collision detection, automatic probing, patented abrasive injection and monitoring of critical cutting components.

An electronic abrasive hopper automatically regulates garnet flow to the cutting head. If abrasive flow is interrupted, the machine can stop the cutting cycle to reduce the risk of damaging or scrapping the glass.

A vacuum sensor monitors the abrasive level and flow at the mixing chamber, providing real-time information about cutting conditions and component wear.

The standard probing system maintains the correct stand-off distance between the cutting head and glass, even when the sheet is not perfectly flat. A larger probe ring is available specifically for materials such as glass and foam.

CNC-controlled automatic lubrication supplies the X, Y and Z axes at programmed intervals without requiring manual intervention or production stoppages.

The Smartline cutting tank is prepared for the optional CMS Evo4 chain dredging system. This removes spent abrasive automatically and significantly reduces the manual work required to clean the tank.

CMS states that the Evo4 system can reduce abrasive-removal maintenance costs by up to 91% compared with conventional manual cleaning. Actual savings depend on operating hours, garnet consumption and local labour costs.

The Smartline can also be configured with multiple cutting heads or an additional Z axis for higher-volume production. Multiple heads allow identical components to be cut simultaneously, while the second Z axis improves productivity when operating two independent three-axis heads.

Different worktable surfaces are available according to the application, including standard grids and anti-reflective supports designed specifically for glass.

The operator interface can be integrated into the machine base to minimise floor-space requirements. An optional mobile console with a 21.5-inch touchscreen is also available.

A remote pushbutton unit allows the operator to control up to six axes and set multiple origins while remaining close to the cutting table.

Easyjet DDX CAD/CAM software manages three- and five-axis waterjet programming, nesting, cutting paths, piercing cycles, quality settings, machining simulation and production costing.

Its integrated materials database allows the operator to select one of five cutting-quality levels. The software then applies the appropriate speeds, accelerations and corner parameters.

The Smartline can be paired with CMS high-pressure intensifiers including the EasyPump, JetPower Evo and E-Pump, depending on the required cutting speed, glass thickness, number of heads and production volume.

Stone & Glass Group supplies the CMS Smartline throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Benelux.

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