Abstract: A waterjet system in accordance with at least some embodiments includes a carriage, a motion assembly configured to move the carriage horizontally relative to a workpiece, and a cutting head carried by the carriage. The waterjet system can also include a kinematic chain through which the cutting head is operably connected to the carriage. The kinematic chain can include first, second, and third joints rotatably adjustable about different first, second, and third axes, respectively. The carriage and the first and second joints can be configured to move the cutting head along a path relative to the workpiece while the cutting head directs a jet toward the workpiece to form a product. The third joint can be configured to shift a kinematic singularity away from the path to reduce or eliminate delay and corresponding reduced cutting accuracy associated with approaching the kinematic singularity.

Abstract: A waterjet system in accordance with at least some embodiments includes a carriage, a motion assembly configured to move the carriage horizontally relative to a workpiece, and a cutting head carried by the carriage. The waterjet system can also include a kinematic chain through which the cutting head is operably connected to the carriage. The kinematic chain can include first, second, and third joints rotatably adjustable about different first, second, and third axes, respectively. The carriage and the first and second joints can be configured to move the cutting head along a path relative to the workpiece while the cutting head directs a jet toward the workpiece to form a product. The third joint can be configured to shift a kinematic singularity away from the path to reduce or eliminate delay and corresponding reduced cutting accuracy associated with approaching the kinematic singularity.

Abstract: A geometric model fitting based calibration process determines offsets between the actual tool center point and theoretical tool center point of a numerically controlled machining system, thereby enabling the system to apply compensation to the offsets in order to align the actual and theoretical tool positions.

Abstract: A waterjet system in accordance with at least some embodiments includes a carriage, a motion assembly configured to move the carriage horizontally relative to a workpiece, and a cutting head carried by the carriage. The waterjet system can also include a kinematic chain through which the cutting head is operably connected to the carriage. The kinematic chain can include first, second, and third joints rotatably adjustable about different first, second, and third axes, respectively. The carriage and the first and second joints can be configured to move the cutting head along a path relative to the workpiece while the cutting head directs a jet toward the workpiece to form a product. The third joint can be configured to shift a kinematic singularity away from the path to reduce or eliminate delay and corresponding reduced cutting accuracy associated with approaching the kinematic singularity.

Abstract: A geometric model fitting based calibration process determines offsets between the actual tool center point and theoretical tool center point of a numerically controlled machining system, thereby enabling the system to apply compensation to the offsets in order to align the actual and theoretical tool positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a desired pocket in a solid workpiece uses an abrasive fluid-jet by moving and suitably orienting the abrasive fluid-jet relative to the workpiece. The method includes defining a path of the abrasive fluid-jet necessary to mill a desired pocket in the solid workpiece. The path is defined by a number of parameters. The parameters include a translation velocity, a fluid pressure, and an abrasive fluid-jet position and orientation relative to the workpiece. Generating a command set is according to the defined path and is configured to drive a computer numerical control manipulator system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a desired pocket in a solid workpiece uses an abrasive fluid-jet by moving and suitably orienting the abrasive fluid-jet relative to the workpiece. The method includes defining a path of the abrasive fluid-jet necessary to mill a desired pocket in the solid workpiece. The path is defined by a number of parameters. The parameters include a translation velocity, a fluid pressure, and an abrasive fluid-jet position and orientation relative to the workpiece. Generating a command set is according to the defined path and is configured to drive a computer numerical control manipulator system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a desired pocket in a solid workpiece uses an abrasive fluid-jet by moving and suitably orienting the abrasive fluid-jet relative to the workpiece. The method includes defining a path of the abrasive fluid-jet necessary to mill a desired pocket in the solid workpiece. The path is defined by a number of parameters. The parameters include a translation velocity, a fluid pressure, and an abrasive fluid-jet position and orientation relative to the workpiece. Generating a command set is according to the defined path and is configured to drive a computer numerical control manipulator system.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for milling objects by means of high velocity abrasive waterjet. The apparatus includes means for holding and producing relative motion in three dimensions of both the workpiece and the jet. Control means are provided to allow uniform and variable depth milling of complex shapes and automatic variations in relative speed, standoff distance, angle and pressure. The method includes the use of a resistant mask for facilitating milling and production of masks by the same tool used for milling.

Abstract: A release paper for the manufacture of artificial leather, characterized by the release coating of the paper being essentially of a flexible poly(4-methyl pentene-1) resin (TPX) loaded with particulate mineral filler.