Flow International Showcasing 87,000 psi Waterjet Cutting Technology, FlowConnex at IMTS 2008
KENT, Wash., June 15, 2008 - Flow International Corporation (NASDAQ: FLOW), the world's leading developer and manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) waterjet technology, will showcase 87,000 psi waterjet cutting and introduce FlowConnex, the company's next generation of interconnectivity for waterjet operations.
Flow's HyperPressure technology enables faster, more cost-effective cutting, lower part cost and higher production. Benefits include cutting speeds that are 20-50% faster than 60,000 psi; 20-30% lower part cost than 60,000 psi; lower abrasive consumption, with 30-50% less abrasive used than 60,000 psi; simpler, faster maintenance; and many more benefits. HyperPressure 87,000 psi is available on Flow's Integrated Flying Bridge (IFB) and WMC2 waterjet machines.
87k Cuts Faster, Reduces Part Cost, Increases Production Rates
Manufacturers are realizing significant benefits as the result of 87,000 psi waterjet cutting, as evidenced by Flow's customers who have implemented 87k psi.
"Flow's 87,000 psi HyperPressure with Dynamic Waterjet head is hands down the best, fastest, most accurate machine available - period," said Jack Bates, co-owner, Michigan Waterjet, Albion, Mich. "In some cases we are cutting as much as 50% faster than 50k or 60k psi cutting."
"With the 87,000 psi, we not only cut faster, but also control the straightness or taper of the edge quality using Dynamic Waterjet®," said Tom Olsen, Vice President of TR Machine. "The ability to control our cutting edge has given us a twofold advantage by eliminating secondary milling or profiling operations which in turn created added capacity in our CNC milling department.
"The speed at which 87,000 psi cuts has helped us realize significant time savings," continued Olsen. "A 3/8 aluminum plate part went from being a 6 minute part to a 3 minute part for a 50% time savings. As a result of 87,000 psi's faster cutting, we have cut our cycle time in half and can now produce twice as many parts in the same amount of time."
FlowConnex: Next Generation of Interconnectivity
Flow will be introducing FlowConnex, the next generation of interconnectivity for Flow waterjet operation. Conforming to MTConnect connectivity standards, FlowConnex provides waterjet machining and production status with a "Dashboard" that displays information on machine operation and machine productivity. FlowConnex also provides for email alerts to signal waterjet operators and management of waterjet machine and/or pump conditions that could shutdown the waterjet machine.
About Flow International
Flow International Corporation is the world's leading developer and manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet technology for cutting and cleaning. Flow provides state-of-the-art ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) technology to numerous industries including automotive, aerospace, job shop, surface preparation, food and dozens more. For more information, visit www.flowcorp.com.
LISA BRANDLI
Media Relations
Flow International Corp.
23500 64th Ave. S
Kent, Washington 98032
USA
425-653-1237
lbrandli@flowcorp.com
www.flowcorp.com
Contact:
Chris Maier
Product Manager
253-850-3500
cmaier@flowcorp.com
