Adaptive nozzle system for high-energy abrasive stream cutting

摘要

A system is provided for delivering onto a workpiece a high-energy abrasive cutting stream. The system generally comprises a head assembly for providing a pressurized fluidic stream; a nozzling unit coupled to the head assembly for nozzling the pressurized fluidic stream; and, an adaptive orientation assembly coupled to the nozzling unit. The nozzling unit is operable to expel a high-energy abrasive cutting stream for cutting about or along a predefined pattern on the workpiece, and includes a nozzle member having a laminar inner wall surface defining a longitudinally extending passage. This passage terminates at an outlet portion which describes in sectional contour a predetermined shape such that, during operation, it serves to generate upon the workpiece an instantaneous kerf of cut having a corresponding sectional contour. The adaptive orientation assembly is operable to displace the nozzle member in a manner adaptive to the position of the nozzling unit relative to the pattern predefined on the workpiece. The adaptive orientation assembly thus maintains the cutting stream within a predefined angular orientation range relative to predefined pattern.