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 (7'). The system generally comprises a head assembly (1) for providing a pressurized fluidic stream (1'); a nozzling unit (7) coupled to the head assembly for nozzling the pressurized fluidic stream; and, an adaptive orientation assembly (8) 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 (1150) on the workpiece, includes a nozzle member having a laminar inner wall surface defining a longitudinal extending passage (27). 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 (8) is operable t0 displace the nozzle member (7) in a manner adaptive to the position of the nozzling unit (7) relative to the pattern predefined on the workpiece. The adaptive orientation assembly (8) thus maintains the cutting stream (7') within a predefined angular orientation range relative to predefined pattern.