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A cut above – Skalkaho Montana machinist uses state-of-the-art water-jet cutter on metal and more – Double R Machine

Five years ago Russ and Monte Koppes moved their family-owned machine shop to the Bitterroot and brought with them some cutting-edge technology that this valley had never seen.

Located six miles up Skalkaho Highway, Double R Machine has the standard presses, mills and lathes of any machine shop, but its claim to fame is a computerized abrasive water-jet machine that makes ultra-smooth cuts through metal or granite like a hot knife through butter.

"I can cut anything from wood to carbide, quickly and economically with very little waste," Monte Koppes said, gesturing to the conspicuous trough-like machine nestled on the western edge of the well-lighted machine shop.

Indeed, the stencil-like cut-outs lining the walls of the shop reveal a plethora of materials, from four-inch granite and half-inch plywood to sheets of titanium-rich knife steel – all bearing the precision cuts of the high-tech cutter.

The cutting mechanism of the machine is nothing more than pure water and 80-grit garnet, shot through a tiny hole at 50,000-pounds-per-square-inch pressure. Its thin stream of cool liquid moves like a pencil over whatever is being cut, shooting through the material into a giant trough of water. A cup-shaped guard prevents splashing by directing everything downward.

The pencil-like stream moves automatically, controlled by a computer to create the image projected on the screen.

Monte Koppes demonstrated the efficacy of the machine, cutting the words "Harley-Davidson" in an aluminum diamond-patterned plate in a matter of minutes, the silver letters falling one-by-one harmlessly into the murky water bath.

"No heat is involved in the process, so it doesn’t change the molecular state or temper of the metal," Monte said.

Russ Koppes, Monte’s dad, first encountered water-jet cutters when he worked for the aerospace industry in Seattle. Compared with plasma cutters, which use electricity and heat to cut metal, water jets don’t put any stress on the material being cut, he said.

ROD DANIEL

Staff Reporter

Full Story: http://www.ravallinews.com/articles/2005/08/10/bitterroot/18-business.txt

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Double R Machine, Inc.
Abrasive Water Jet Cutting

1326 Skalkaho Hwy. Hamilton

Mt.59840

Contacts: Monte Koppes, Gen Mgr.

Russ Koppes,

Owner Phone: 406-375-8585

Fax: 406-375-8584

e-mail: [email protected]

We cut any material up to (4-6) inches thick. All metals tile slate glass mirror ceramic marble composites plastics wood rubber and more We machine with water and garnet at 50,000 PSI with precision accuracy (+/- .003"). The jet stream is .03 diameter so very little material is lost.

The cut edge is smooth with little or no burr. The manufacturing process does not create heat, so the surface will not be cracked or welded or have a heat affected edge. The table will hold a 5′ X 10′ sheet.

This water jet machining technology is a proven process in precision part production. Our machine is ideal for short-run part production as well as high production, directly from a CAD, DWG or DXF file. This state-of-the art technology will meet your needs in applications of precision machining, unique architectural projects, creative art design, and etc.

Our current support equipment includes conventional lathe and mill, a tumble deburr machine (13"x13"x 31"), TIG and MIG welder (both in shop and mobile unit) and CNC mill and lathe service available.

We appreciate your interest and business!!!!

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