Check the WAZER Pro Abrasive Flow Rate
WAZER Pro does not actively monitor and measure its abrasive flow rate. However, the abrasive flow rate is a critical parameter, so you should check and monitor this regularly. It is also one of the first things to check if your cut performance has seemed to change. This rate will need to be updated from time to time simply because of normal wear or from an unexpected event such as a backflow.
Required Tools:
Scale ( accuracy of 0.5g (0.02oz) and capacity of at least 200g ( 7 oz. ))
Cup with a volume of 250ml (8oz)
2.5mm hex key
PPE (Gloves, Masks, Eye Goggles)
Procedure
If the Abrasive Hopper is empty, please add a small amount of Abrasive (>1lb).
Open Abrasive drawer.
Remove Abrasive Catcher, or Abrasive Valve Slip Cover.
Go to “Setup and Maintenance“ > “Maintenance“ > “Abr. Flow Rate“
Place (or hold) a cup or container below the Abrasive Valve
Now hit “Start“ to begin the flow of abrasive, the timer will count while the abrasive is flowing.
After the 1 min Abrasive Flow test weigh the container with the Abrasive, then subtract the weight of the container.
This is the mass of abrasive rate per minute
The goal abrasive rate is between 130 g/min - 150 g/min (4.58 oz/min - 5.29 oz/min) if you are using Barton Alltek HPA 80.
If you are using Longhe 80# abrasive from WAZER, the target is 100-110g / min.
If you are using third party abrasive, the rate may be varied.
If the value you recorded is just outside of the range it could be variations in the abrasive and may still work.
f the rate is much lower than that you should investigate your Dry Abrasive system for the problem. If it is higher then that your Abrasive Orifice likely is worn out, contact Support for a replacement.
Next Time
Over time the abrasive rate of the machine will change to due to a variety of reasons, including but not limited to wear, backflow events, or clogs. Often the earliest indication that the abrasive orifice will need to be changed is that you find yourself refilling the abrasive hopper more often than expected. We also recommend checking the abrasive rate after any clog or backflow, as either event can change the rate.
Practicing good cutting procedures will help prevent the abrasive rate from getting clogged and changing the abrasive rate. These include:
avoiding the Cutting head from touching the material by taking care to level you cutting bed and setting your nozzle height,
avoiding letting the abrasive hopper run out,
paying attention to the amount of abrasive used in comparison to what WAM predicts the usage to be,
and always using your sifting Screens when adding abrasive.
Beyond that, normal wear and tear is a part of any machine tool and is to be expected.