Reuel is an internationally-leading manufacturer of insulating componentsfor the electrical power equipment industry. The company specializes in moldedswitchgear components, apparatus bushings and specialty products formedium voltage electrical distribution equipment. It also manufacturestraction-power substations for mass transit authorities and large-scalecontractors. Established in 1987 by Larry and Sue Davis, Reuel has grownsteadily over the years and is now one of the larger manufacturers in itsindustry. The company, which started out manufacturing just epoxy and otherpolymeric material electrical components, has grown to over 50 employees andnow occupies a 110,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facilitythat features fully equipped machine and fabrication shops that, in additionto the new waterjet, include vertical milling centers, plunge and wire EDMmachines, CNC lathes, CNC punches and press brakes, a shear, plasma cutter anda powder-coat paint line. Reuel also has a high-tech molding and castingdepartment that features 11 hydraulic molding presses including a custom pressthat it built itself, plus a new pneumatic material conveying system.

According to Jason Stevens, Reuel project engineer, Reuel decided to addwaterjet cutting to its extensive machining capabilities because it is themost effective way to cut GP03 fiberglass, one of the primary materials usedin the company's switchgear components for its traction-power substation line.

"Waterjet is the best way to cut parts from this material because iteliminates an aggravating fine dust that is created by other cutting methods,"Stevens said. "This dust can cause accelerated machine wear especially inmachine ways and optical encoders."

Reuel also plans to cut other materials with its waterjet machine,including steel, stainless steel, polycarbonate and copper, Stevens noted.

Prior to purchasing its Jet Edge system, Reuel had been outsourcing itswaterjetting, but determined it would be more cost-effective and efficient tobring its waterjet cutting in-house, Stevens explained.

"Now that we have our Jet Edge waterjet, we will have control over ourprocess and control over lead time in addition to cost savings," he said.

Within a week of installing the Jet Edge, Reuel had already trained fiveemployees how to run the machine (the company cross-trains its fabricationshop employees) and was busy cutting GP03 insulating components for atraction-power substation it is building for a light rail system in NewOrleans. Reuel is building two substations for the city's transit authority toreplace units damaged by flooding following Hurricane Katrina.

"Jet Edge's training was great," Stevens said. "The machine is workinggreat, it can be run relatively unattended, and it looks like maintenanceshould be easy. I like the SigmaNEST(R) Companion CAD/CAM software on thecontroller. It seems to be very intuitive and the controller also is fairlyintuitive. It's one of the easiest that I've used."

Stevens said he researched 20 waterjet systems from various manufacturersbefore deciding on Jet Edge.

"I like Jet Edge's vertical integration and one call for service," hesaid. "A lot of the other companies require you to call one company for partsand service on the gantry and another for parts and service on the pump. Ialso liked Jet Edge's 24-hour availability. Many other waterjet manufacturerswere available eight to five in their time zone or they had online support.Plus, I really liked working with David Arthur [Jet Edge's Southeast U.S.regional sales manager]. I felt that he was as honest as a salesman could beand was willing to work with us to determine the best solution."

The Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry selected by Reuel features an 8'X13' workenvelope with an exposed tank that easily accommodates overhead loading. Itcomes standard with one abrasivejet cutting head; a second cutting head can beadded to increase productivity. The Mid Rail Gantry is ball-screw driven forhigher accuracy. Its sturdy heavy-wall tubular steel construction eliminatesvibration and increases longevity. The Mid Rail Gantry utilizes an industrialPC controller and can be configured so that all three axes are fullyprogrammable (Z optional). It also features direct-couple AC brushless digitalservo motors and single or double carriages. Critical bearing components areprotected with heavy metal covers with brush seals.

More Information

For more information about Reuel, visit http://www.reuelnc.com, call919-734-0460 or e-mail info@reuelnc.com.

For more information about Jet Edge, visit http://www.jetedge.com, call1-800-JET-EDGE (538-3343) or e-mail sales@jetedge.com.

About Jet Edge

Established in 1984, Jet Edge is a global designer and manufacturer ofwaterjet systems for precision cutting, surface preparation and coatingremoval. Jet Edge systems are used around the world in a broad range ofindustries, from the world's leading airlines to automotive, aerospace,industrial manufacturers, machine and job shops. Jet Edge waterjet systems areproudly made in the U.S.A. For more information about Jet Edge, visithttp://www.jetedge.com, e-mail sales@jetedge.com or call 1-800-JET-EDGE(538-3343).

SOURCE Jet Edge, Inc.