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An extremely high‐pressure jet of water is an efficient method of cutting soft materials, and combining the waterjet process with industrial robots is an economic alternative to the traditional punch tool method of producing complex‐shaped components for car interiors, such as floor carpets, headliners and door trims. Applications are given of robotic waterjet systems installed in the USA, France and Iran as well as news of a new cutting box introduced by ABB‐IR Waterjet Systems. A further development of the waterjet process is described in which the addition of abrasives enables aluminium castings to be fettled and cleaned.

A pilot project at the Ford Motor Co. plant in Genk, Belgium, uses robot‐guided waterjets to cut holes in bumpers for Sierra cars.

Waterjet cutting is finding increasing use in the aerospace and motor industries. John Mortimer reports.

Chadderton, England — the home of British Aerospace PLC (BAe), the British company which plays an important role in the Airbus project as designer and builder of the wings for A300, A310, A320 and A340 aircraft. The wings are designed at BAe, Filton, prior to machining at Chadderton, following which assembly is undertaken at BAe in Chester. The company has a one‐fifth share in the Airbus business representing £1 billion turnover and with orders and deliveries for the aircraft approaching 900, the importance of Airbus to the plant is continuing to increase.

ABB is merging its robotics and paint finishing businesses into a single company, ABB Flexible Automation. All company names previously within these two business areas, some as a result of earlier acquisitions, will now operate under the single name.