Waterjet cutting specialist MAXJET has recently completed the manufacture of various types of stainless-steel sieve plates for clients in the agriculture, food and beverage and petrochemicals industries, as well as for a water purification plant.

The sieve plates are highly corrosion and rust-resistant, says MAXJET director Preeshan Naidoo.

The plates – manufactured using MAXJET’s high-pressure waterjet cutting technology – are used for numerous applications, including the separation and filtering of dry and/or liquid substances in various phases of materials processing.

“The benefits of these technologies include the ability to process thicker materials using closer, smaller apertures while creating no heat-affected zones. This ensures that the materials’ metallurgy and [the] inherent structure of the end-product remain unchanged, while minimising distortion that may occur from cheaper, heat-applied processes,” he explains.

Despite the challenges posed by the potential closure of South Africa’s largest steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal’s long-steel plants in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal – to which MAXJET supplied a range of steel and stainless-steel components – the company aims to overcome the impending market-related “trials” through innovation, efficient waterjet cutting services and an ongoing focus on “premium” customer service.

In addition to ArcelorMittal’s looming closure, “the continuously rising costs of labour, power and water, coupled with poor service delivery from government, have made local manufacturing challenging and expensive, while dampening companies’ ability to manufacture efficiently. This has allowed ‘cheaper’ imports to dominate the industry, which, in turn, further hinders local manufacturing,” he adds.

The steel producer's decision to defer the closure by another six months will likely only delay these adverse effects, as the plants' closure is still on the cards.

Nonetheless, MAXJET uses “a plethora” of stainless-steel grades to manufacture products that accommodate client requirements, providing “high-quality” components to enhance longevity and reduce downtime while incorporating numerous solutions and identifying applications for these solutions.

The company has the expertise and tools required to process and supply stainless-steel variations encompassing a thickness range of between 0.05 mm and 100 mm. It can also adjust the sizes of its waterjets for smaller apertures and enhanced tolerance.

The company also offers various solutions for steel cutting, including outsourcing and material supply, as well as the design and draughting of materials.

“MAXJET’s dedication and commitment to the industry has aided with the efficient supply of various parts and components on a ‘break-down’ basis to clients,” Naidoo comments.