SmartShield Packaging has introduced the WARDJet X-Series waterjet cutting system at its manufacturing operations, expanding its foam fabrication capability for protective packaging used in a range of North American industries.

The company provides custom protective packaging for sectors, including aerospace, defence, healthcare, medical devices and robotics.

Its products are intended to protect goods during transport, storage and handling.

The system is now used in the production of custom foam inserts, equipment cavities, shadow boards, carrying case interiors and protective packaging assemblies.

It can cut a range of materials, including plastics, polyethylene foam, cross-linked polyethylene foam, wood and other packaging materials while maintaining cut accuracy and quality.

SmartShield Packaging also said the machine has supported higher output through its ability to cut multiple layers.

Unlike some conventional cutting methods, which can compress, tear or distort foam, waterjet cutting is a cold process and does not introduce heat into the material.

According to the company, this enables cleaner and more accurate shapes and removes the need for secondary finishing operations.

SmartShield Packaging said the five-axis capability has also allowed it to produce more complex packaging designs.

These include bevelled foam inserts, multi-angle cavities, custom shadow boards, precision tool control systems and other packaging geometries.

Since installing the WARDJet X-Series, the company said it has raised production capacity, improved manufacturing consistency, forayed into new markets and widened the range of industries it serves.

SmartShield Packaging director Sam Botterill said: "Precision is of great importance when designing the packaging that will be protecting your valuable equipment and medical devices.

"In our opinion, the WARDJet X-Series is the solution to enhance our manufacturing capabilities while providing exceptional efficiency, consistency, and quality of our products."