Q: How would you describe your company’s primary business?
A: Jet Edge’s primary business is manufacturing waterjet systems that can solve customers’ unique manufacturing challenges. We help businesses in many industries such as; Aerospace, Fabricating and Machining, Food, Automotive and Machine Shops.

Q: In brief, what is the history of your company?
A: Jet Edge entered the waterjet industry in 1984 as a subsidiary of Possis Corporation. Jet Edge had a 36,000 psi mobile line and 55,000 psi precision cutting line. In 1994 TC/American Monorail purchased Jet Edge from Possis and they moved the company to St. Michael, Minnesota in 1999. JPK Holdings took over ownership of Jet Edge in 2016.

Q: Since being founded in 1984, how has Jet Edge changed through the years?
A: Over the past 30 plus years Jet Edge has expanded well beyond their original 36,000 psi mobile line and 55,000 psi precision line. Jet Edge now manufactures nearly 20 different models of waterjet intensifier pumps ranging from 36,000 psi to 90,000 psi. Jet Edge’s precision CNC water jets can now be custom engineered to satisfy specific requirements. Jet Edge’s popular EDGE X-5® waterjet system is capable of cutting 3D parts up to 60°.

Q: How has waterjet technology changed through the years?
A: The way waterjet cutting is programed has changed greatly. Today there are many software packages that do the programming that was once done by expert programmers. Automating the process has allowed for highly accurate and precise cuts. The ability to do 3D cutting has also exponentially increased cutting possibilities. One was once limited to cutting flat parts and now cutting parts such as propellers and on a bevel is possible. Pressure has increased from 40K to 90K with continually improving technology. Nozzle life has greatly increased through new materials. The number of OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer) have increased exponentially and are more widely excepted by a number of industries as a viable process. Improvements made to consumable parts of high wear resistance material reduce operational costs and decrease maintenance.

Q: What questions do your customers frequently ask?
A: An obvious question is -how much does a system cost? We frequently get asked about cutting speeds – what cutting speed and what orifice is best for their application? Many customers are interested in where our systems are manufactured. Jet Edge systems are proudly made in the United States. On a technical side we get asked maintenance questions as well. Jet Edge offers free maintenance training to all customers for the life of their equipment every other month, we have also created flip charts and videos showing step by step procedures such as replacing seals on a pump. Also, can you recycle the garnet is a popular question – the answer is yes, but it’s not always the best/most cost effective route.

Q: What difficulties have you faced in the American market this year?
A: This year an uncertain economy has been difficult. Another challenge has been overseas OEM’s importing systems into the United States. These tend to be less expensive but much lower quality. Currently no Military contracts have been released to spur Military Manufacturing Growth.

Q: What successes has Jet Edge accomplished this year?
A: Jet Edge was named Best Waterjet Systems Manufacturer- USA by Corporate Vision Magazine in the UK. Jet Edge is always working with potential and existing customers to create an even better product.

Q: What do you want to see in the future for the industry?
A: We would love to see a stronger market as the economy improves.