Maine's Largest Waterjet Cutting Machine Now Operational
April 1, 2021
"Front Street Shipyard is now operating a 5-axis 3D waterjet cutting machine that is the largest of its kind in the state of Maine and among the largest in the country," said a company spokesperson. "We are cutting large parts for our own boat construction and refits and also providing cutting services to outside businesses as part of a new Manufacturing Division of the company."
The waterjet cutting machine uses high-pressure water streams to cut, shape and ream very large parts such as frames, molds and panels used in manufacturing and construction. Capable of cutting nearly any material including textiles, stainless steel and titanium, the machine cuts parts directly from engineer-drawn electronic data with a high degree of precision and accuracy within two thousandths of an inch. The parts can be as simple as flat panels and as complex as tubes, bevels, countersinks and wraps.
Partial funding for the waterjet cutting machine came from the United States Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration grant that was awarded to Front Street Shipyard in 2018 through the Small Shipyard Grants program. Support from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who chairs the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, was instrumental in securing the grant.
"Since its founding 10 years ago, Front Street Shipyard has played a key role in the transformation of the City of Belfast, with the two thriving together as a result of public and private partnerships and committed citizens," said Senator Collins. "This new waterjet cutting machine will help diversify Front Street Shipyard's services to include a new production line, greatly enhancing its global competitiveness and making the shipyard the only U.S. company with this unique manufacturing capability."
For more information contact:
Front Street Shipyard
101 Front Street
Belfast, ME 04915
207-930-3740
info@frontstreetshipyard.com
www.frontstreetshipyard.com
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