Articles written by Dr. John H. Olsen

Dr. John H. Olsen

Contributing Writer

OMAX Corp.

21409 72nd Ave. S.
Kent, WA 98032
phone: 253-872-2300

www.omax.com
Contact via email

Results: 26

	Etching 3-D images with an abrasive waterjet Currently used primarily in art and architecture, waterjet etching is beginning to make inroads into machining and fabricating shops. The textured gripper pictured in this article is an example of a 3-D etched part. Publish date: May 7, 2013
	2-D + 3-D = 5-axis waterjet cutting Five-axis waterjet cutting is not something you see in every fabricating operation. But for some applications where tube or precise edge cutting might be required, it makes total sense. Publish date: January 7, 2013
	The trend toward larger abrasive waterjet cutting tables Once custom-produced on a one-off basis for specific applications, large abrasive waterjet cutting tables have become part of many standard systems, thanks mostly to advanced linear-drive technology that makes the machines more affordable. Publish date: December 10, 2012
	Abrasive waterjets move into 3-D shapes, including pipe intersections Used for many years to cut 2-D parts, abrasive waterjet technology has evolved into cutting complex 3-D shapes, including pipe intersections and saddles. Accessories and control software that make this possible can be retrofitted to existing systems. Publish date: August 21, 2012
	A primer on waterjet accessories For fabricators and metalworkers considering their first purchase of a waterjet, return on investment will be heavily influenced by features, options, and accessories that provide a match to their unique needs.Investigating and evaluating the latest alternatives will go a long way in boosting... Publish date: January 17, 2011
	Waterjet bevel cutting made easy Improvements in waterjet technology have made bevel cutting with these machines more suitable for a greater number of fabricating shops by simplifying programming and operation and reducing the need for trial-and-error setup. Publish date: March 1, 2010
	Newer linear-drive technology improves waterjet accuracy, reduces costs Recent developments in linear-drive technology are designed to improve waterjet cutting accuracy and safety, while making high-precision machines more affordable. Find out more about this traction-drive system that has its roots in railroad locomotives. Publish date: December 15, 2009
	Green cutting with waterjets Abrasive waterjets are powerful cutting tools. As is the case with all industrial machinery, waterjet machines have certain inherent hazards that go beyond the obvious cuts. Knowledge of these hazards and proper protective measures are necessary for safe operation. This article presents an... Publish date: October 14, 2008
	Safety in jet cutting Abrasive waterjets are powerful cutting tools. As is the case with all industrial machinery, waterjet machines have certain inherent hazards that go beyond the obvious cuts. Knowledge of these hazards and proper protective measures are necessary for safe operation. This article presents an... Publish date: July 15, 2008
	Maximizing waterjet cutting profit Achieving maximum profitability from your waterjet system requires knowing which operating methods are best-suited to your application. This article explores the costs associated with waterjet cutting and shows a method for maximizing the profit derived from the machine for various production... Publish date: April 15, 2008
	Pumping up the waterjet power Want to maximize your waterjet's performance? Among the options for doing so are adding horsepower to the pump, by either running at higher pressure, or using a larger or two nozzles. This article discusses the options and provides guidelines to help you decide what's best for your particular... Publish date: December 11, 2007
	Jet cutting accessories The right accessories can help you make the most of your waterjet cutting system and prolong system life. Among the accessories discussed in this article are garnet feeders, removers, and recyclers; abrasive agitators; taper management tools; optional nozzles; piercing accessories; standoff... Publish date: August 8, 2007
	Recent developments in abrasive jet software Software is an integral part of a waterjet cutting system. Advances in controller software compensate for common jet cutting errors, such as lag, striations, taper, and kerf; offer improvements in cutting functions; and reduce the time it takes to produce parts Publish date: June 12, 2007
	Economic considerations when purchasing a jet cutting machine Thinking about purchasing a jet cutting system? Many factors should be considered before deciding which system to buy. This article discusses fixed and operating costs and productivity and provides the framework for making an intelligent buying decision. Publish date: February 13, 2007
	Machine components you can fabricate with an abrasive jet Many machine components formerly made with conventional machining techniques now can be made easily and cost-effectively with abrasive waterjet cutting. This article discusses some of these components. It also gives examples of abrasive waterjet-produced signs and labels that can be used to... Publish date: October 10, 2006
	What you need to know about high-pressure equipment High-pressure abrasive and waterjet cutting systems have unique properties that must be understood to maximize performance and ensure safety. This article discusses the principles of water compressibility and pressurization, metal fatigue, high-pressure plumbing, seals, valves, and making and... Publish date: May 9, 2006
	Fixturing for abrasive jet machining Clamping the workpiece against sideways motion and weighting it against vertical motion will prevent part loss and improve part quality in waterjet machining. This article offers practical fixturing suggestions for both cutting from flat sheet and adding features to existing parts. Publish date: January 10, 2006
	How one shop benefited from abrasive waterjet technology Triplex Systems found that using abrasive waterjet cutting technology combined with a hole-and-tab technique to fabricate its products helped eliminate machining operations and reduced costs. Publish date: July 12, 2005
	Abrasive Jet Mechanics Publish date: March 8, 2005
	Designing for abrasive waterjet fabrication Thinking ahead during the design stage of a fabrication always saves manufacturing costs later. This is also true for the parts cut with a precision waterjet. Part production time, assembly time, fixturing, and weld preparation time all can be saved. Even design time can be saved by following... Publish date: May 4, 2004
	Improving waterjet cutting precision by eliminating taper Publish date: January 13, 2004
	Pumps for abrasive jet cutting Publish date: September 10, 2003
	Selecting a table for abrasive jet machining Publish date: June 26, 2003
	Software for abrasive water jet machines Software plays a key role in abrasive jet machining. Infact, it is only through software that precision abrasive jet machining truly is possible. Some of the most significant advancements in the industry have been in software. Publish date: March 13, 2003
	H2Olsen: Buying an abrasive jet machine. Is the process right for you? Abrasive waterjet cutting may or may not be right for your particular application; but, knowing all you can about the process and its pros and cons can help you make that decision better. Publish date: April 15, 2002
	Not your father's abrasive jet The advances made in abrasive jet cutting in recent years have negated much of the downside formerly associated with the technology. Publish date: July 12, 2001