Leveraging over 20 years of experience, waterjet cutting specialist MAXJET has built strong expertise in processing a broad range of sheet materials, supporting the evolving needs of the automotive sector, says MAXJET global director Preeshan Naidoo.

Aligned to shifting industry requirements, the company has expanded its capabilities to handle increasingly advanced and diverse materials. For the automotive industry, the company processes materials such as aluminium, titanium, stainless steels and carbon fibre.

The company specialises in waterjet cutting, which offers significant advantages when working with high-performance materials. Using high-pressure water mixed with abrasives means that waterjet cutting processes do not involve heat, thereby preventing heat-affected zones and preserving the structural integrity of the material.

Traditional thermal cutting methods, or heat-applied processes, can compromise the metallurgical properties and structural strength of certain components, Naidoo explains.

Further, compared to conventional methods, waterjet cutting offers notable benefits for automotive component manufacturing. It can cut through materials of up to 300 mm thick while maintaining high precision, with tolerances of up to 0.3 mm.

Moreover, its narrow cutting jet, typically about 1 mm wide, allows for the close nesting of components, thereby optimising material use, reducing waste and improving production efficiency.

MAXJET’s in-house design capabilities allow for the precise cutting of intricate shapes and complex profiles, thereby aligning with the requirements of modern modular designs.

The company supplies automotive parts, ranging from tools used in production assembly lines to customised “one-off” components, such as intake manifold adaptor plates, wheel spacers, exhaust flanges and cylinder head gaskets.

Naidoo adds that MAXJET ensures consistency and quality through the application of strict quality-control plans throughout the manufacturing process.

He emphasises the vital role of local manufacturing in reducing dependence on imports and driving industrial growth, noting that South Africa is rich in key commodities that are used in the automotive industry, including iron-ore and chrome. The beneficiation of these resources will enable the country to significantly boost local manufacturing, stimulate GDP growth and create employment opportunities.

Local automotive manufacturing has historically been a key contributor to South Africa’s economic development, largely supported by foreign investment.

As the sector focuses on localisation and competitiveness, Naidoo asserts that MAXJET is well positioned to deliver cost-effective, efficient solutions to meet evolving industry demands.