A leader in the development of waterjet machining, LAI optimizes the process for advanced manufacturing applications. LAI’s staff can provide process development for innovative applications as well as program management from concept through finished parts for long-run production parts.

High-Definition Waterjet CuttingTM is ideal, in many cases, for material removal and near-net cutting of metal components. Waterjet processing cuts through materials like titanium and stainless steel faster than conventional machining methods. Parts are often blanked out by waterjet processing before undergoing final CNC machining. LAI's specialized waterjet workstations can trim complex three-dimensional parts, cut material such as titanium up to 18 inches thick and drill holes as small as 0.016 inches in diameter.

LAI's waterjet processes include Five-Axis Waterjet Machining, High-Definition Waterjet CuttingTM, Waterjet Drilling,  Waterjet Drill-to-Flow ProcessingTM and Rotary Waterjet Processing.

High-Definition Waterjet Cutting

LAI has developed High-Definition Waterjet CuttingTM, which incorporates LAI’s patent-pending computerized cutting system. LAI method allows cutting speeds two to six times faster than conventional abrasive waterjet cutting while offering less taper and smaller kerfs. The process allows:

  • Accuracy to ±0.002 inches.
  • Cutting materials up to 18 inches thick.
  • Sizes up to 15 x 15 x 5 feet.
  • Multiple-head cutting for faster processing.

Waterjet Drilling and Screen Manufacturing

LAI is the world leader in precision, Waterjet Drilling, shaped hole drilling with waterjet technology, pioneering development of advanced Waterjet Drilling technologies. LAI’s advanced abrasive waterjet process drills precision shaped holes to diameters as small as 0.016 inches. This process provides a number of advantages over traditional machining methods, including:

  • Angles from 20 to 90 degrees.
  • Custom hole drilling to any shape.
  • Diameters as small as 0.016 inches.
  • Drilling through thermal barrier coated parts.
  • Improved hole profiles.
  • Lower processing costs.
  • Superior hole quality.
  • Tolerances to ±0.002 inches.

Waterjet Drill-to-Flow Processing

LAI has pioneered development of processing shaped cooling holes using an enhanced abrasive milling technology that eliminates thermal distortion, re-cast layers and the need for secondary operations. LAI recently expanded its Advanced Hole-Drilling Production Center to process turbine components for power generation and aerospace industries. LAI's Drill-to-Flow Abrasive Waterjet ProcessTM drills precision shaped holes to diameters as small as 0.018 inches. This innovative process provides a number of advantages over traditional machining methods, including:

  • Superior hole quality.
  • Greater design freedom.
  • Tighter flow control.
  • Improved hole profiles.
  • No re-cast layers or globules.
  • Lower processing cost.
  • Ability to drill through thermal-barrier-coated parts.

Five-Axis Waterjet Machining

Multiple Five-Axis Waterjet Machining workstations provide precision cutting, trimming and drilling of complex three-dimensional parts.

Rotary Waterjet Machining

Custom waterjet workstations offer Waterjet Rotary Machining, cutting of complex patterns, slots, windows and holes in a variety of tubes, pipes and rings. LAI operates five-axis waterjet machining stations at each of its three divisions located across the country. LAI's innovations in five-axis waterjet processing result in cost-savings benefits for our customers. Five-axis processing offers maximum manufacturing flexibility, eliminates re-positioning of parts and reduces tooling time.

Materials Processed

LAI maintains an extensive database of hundreds of machining parameters for a wide variety of materials, including:

  • Metals, including aluminum, copper, steel, and titanium.
  • Alloys, such as high-nickel steel and stainless steel.
  • Composites, including carbon fiber and graphite.
  • Additional materials, including plastics and ceramics.