Aquarese Industries: Industrial Excellence in Waterjet Technology
Overview
Aquarese Industries, headquartered in Saint-Quentin, France, is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-tech industrial solutions based on Ultra-High Pressure (UHP) waterjet technology. Founded in 1989, the company has established itself as a critical partner for high-precision industries, particularly Aerospace, Power Generation, and Automotive sectors.
In 2016, Aquarese became part of the Shape Technologies Group, joining a portfolio of companies that includes Flow International Corporation. This integration allowed Aquarese to combine its specialized process engineering expertise with global manufacturing and support capabilities. Unlike many companies that provide general-purpose waterjet cutting tables, Aquarese focuses on highly complex, robotized, and integrated process solutions tailored for demanding manufacturing environments.
Continue…Core Industrial Processes
Aquarese distinguishes itself by transforming the physics of waterjet into specific industrial processes. Their technology utilizes water pressurized up to 6,500 bar (approx. 94,000 psi) to perform tasks that are often impossible or inefficient via traditional mechanical or chemical methods.
1. Waterjet Stripping (WJS)
Aquarese is a pioneer in the removal of technical coatings without damaging the underlying substrate. This is primarily used for:
* Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) Removal: Used in aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines to strip ceramic and metallic coatings (MCrAlY).
* MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul): Allowing parts to be refurbished rather than replaced.
* Surface Preparation: Creating a specific roughness for subsequent coating applications.
2. Ceramic Core Removal (CCR)
One of the company's most specialized applications is the leaching or removal of ceramic cores from investment castings. This is a critical step in the production of high-pressure turbine blades. The waterjet precisely targets and breaks down the ceramic core inside the intricate cooling channels of the blade, replacing traditional long-duration chemical baths with a faster, more environmentally friendly mechanical process.
3. Waterjet Machining (WJM) and Cutting
Beyond simple cutting, Aquarese provides 5-axis and 6-axis machining solutions.
* Abrasive Waterjet (AWJ): Incorporating garnets or other abrasives to cut through hard materials like titanium, Inconel, and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC).
* Precise Slotting and Drilling: Used for creating cooling holes or complex geometries in aerospace components where heat-affected zones (HAZ) must be avoided.
Product Portfolio
Aquarese does not just sell machines; they sell integrated "turnkey" cells. Their product line is characterized by its high degree of automation and robotics.
Robotic Waterjet Cells
These systems typically feature a multi-axis industrial robot (often Fanuc or ABB) integrated into a high-pressure enclosure. These cells are designed for high-volume production and consistent repeatability.
* Closed-loop Systems: Incorporating water filtration and recycling units to minimize environmental impact.
* Acoustic Enclosures: High-decibel insulation to ensure operator safety and compliance with factory noise standards.
Custom Process Equipment
Aquarese designs bespoke machines for specific industrial challenges. Examples include:
* Rotating Lances: For cleaning or stripping internal diameters of cylindrical parts.
* Multi-Station Workcells: Allowing for simultaneous loading/unloading and processing to maximize throughput.
High-Pressure Components
As part of the Shape Technologies Group, Aquarese integrates the industryâ??s most advanced intensifier pumps, such as the Flow HyPlex Prime and the HyperJet, capable of maintaining consistent pressure for continuous industrial duty cycles.
Services and Support
Aquarese operates on a philosophy that the process is as important as the hardware. Their service offerings are divided into three main pillars:
1. Process Development and R&D
Aquarese maintains an in-house laboratory where they conduct feasibility studies for clients. They analyze the material properties of the workpiece to determine the optimal pressure, flow rate, nozzle diameter, and abrasive type required to achieve the desired result without compromising structural integrity.
2. Subcontracting and Job Shop Services
Recognizing that not every manufacturer is ready to bring waterjet technology in-house, Aquarese provides high-end subcontracting services. At their French facility, they perform stripping, cutting, and core removal for major aerospace and energy players, acting as a certified Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier.
3. Technical Support and Retrofitting
The company provides global support, including:
* Remote Diagnostics: Utilizing IoT connectivity to troubleshoot machine performance.
* Retrofitting: Upgrading older waterjet systems with modern robotic controllers and high-efficiency pumps to extend the lifecycle of the capital equipment.
Key Market Applications
Aerospace
Aquarese is a strategic supplier for programs such as the LEAP and CFM56 engines. Their technology is used to process turbine blades, vanes, and combustion liners. The ability to cut Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) without delamination or thermal damage is a specific area where Aquarese leads the market.
Power Generation
In the Industrial Gas Turbine (IGT) market, Aquarese systems are used to strip coatings from massive rotor blades and to clean cooling passages that have become clogged during operation.
Automotive and General Industry
The company provides specialized solutions for the removal of flash from castings, the cleaning of foundry equipment, and the precision cutting of high-strength automotive structural components.
Sustainability and Innovation
Aquarese focuses on the "Green" aspect of waterjet technology. By replacing chemical leaching (which uses caustic acids) and mechanical grinding (which creates hazardous dust), waterjet technology offers a cleaner alternative. Their systems often include advanced water treatment modules that allow for the reuse of process water, reducing the overall environmental footprint of the manufacturing facility.
