Abstract: A device for providing abrasive to a cutting head in a liquid jet cutting system can include an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive from an abrasive source, an abrasive outlet downstream from the abrasive inlet and configured to provide the abrasive to the cutting head, and a backflow diverter configured to discharge backflow from the device. In some embodiments, the backflow diverter can be configured to discharge a first portion of the backflow from the device, and device can further include one or more spillways configured to discharge a second portion of the backflow from the device. The one or more spillways can be positioned upstream from the backflow diverter and/or downstream from the abrasive inlet. The backflow diverter and/or the spillways can at least partially or fully prevent the backflow from flowing upstream through the abrasive inlet and/or into the abrasive source.

Abstract: A system for moving a cutting device gantry or similar structure on a material processing machine can include a mounting structure configured to be operably coupled to the gantry and a drive assembly movably coupled to the mounting structure. The drive assembly can be configured to move the mounting structure and the gantry in a first direction relative to a gantry guide shaft of the material processing machine. The drive assembly can also be movable relative to the mounting structure in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more guide wheels rotatably coupled to the mounting structure. Each of the guide wheels can include an annular outer portion having curvature configured to complimentarily engage the gantry guide shaft. The annular outer portion can be resiliently deformable and configured to conform to the gantry guide shaft during movement of thereon.

Abstract: A waterjet system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present technology includes a cutting head and an associated catcher assembly. The cutting head directs an abrasive-containing waterjet toward a workpiece supported by a cutting deck of the catcher assembly. The catcher assembly also includes a tank and a container fluidly connected to the tank. The tank contains abrasive-containing liquid in which the waterjet diffuses after the waterjet passes through the workpiece. The container collects abrasive at least primarily by shielding abrasive-containing liquid within the container from at least some turbulence of abrasive-containing liquid within the tank during operation of the waterjet system. The catcher assembly also includes a quick-release coupling through which the container is removably connected to the cutting deck. Operating the quick-release coupling allows the container to be removed to dispose of the collected abrasive.

Abstract: Various embodiments of fluid-jet systems are described herein. In one embodiment, a fluid-jet system includes a table and two bridges that are each longitudinally movable along the table. Each bridge carries a fluid-jet cutting head latitudinally movable along the bridge. The fluid-jet system also includes a first controller operably coupled to the first bridge and the first fluid-jet cutting head. The first controller controls the first bridge and the first fluid-jet cutting head. The fluid-jet system also includes a second controller operably coupled to the second bridge and the second fluid-jet cutting head. The second controller controls the second bridge and the second fluid-jet cutting head independently of the control of the first bridge and the first fluid-jet cutting head by the first controller.

Abstract: Waterjet systems having sectional catcher tanks and related devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A waterjet system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid-pressurizing device, a cutting head operably connected to the fluid-pressurizing device, and catcher tank. The cutting head is configured to direct a waterjet toward a workpiece via the waterjet outlet. The catcher tank has an internal volume configured to hold a pool of fluid such that the fluid is positioned relative to the workpiece so as to dissipate kinetic energy of the waterjet. The catcher tank includes a first tank section, a second tank section, and a sealing member. The first and second tank sections have first and second coupling surfaces, respectively, and are configured to be detachably coupled via the first and second coupling surfaces, respectively, to form a water-tight junction with the sealing member operably positioned within the junction.