Waterjet Cutting Services

Waterjet cutting for thick materials without heat distortion

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterjet Cutting

What materials can waterjet cut?

Waterjet cuts virtually any material including metals up to 8" thick, glass, stone, ceramics, composites, rubber, foam, and plastics. Unlike thermal cutting, it produces no heat-affected zone, making it ideal for heat-sensitive materials and pre-hardened metals.

How does waterjet compare to laser cutting?

Waterjet handles thicker materials (up to 8" vs 1" for laser), cuts any material including reflective metals and composites, produces no heat-affected zone, but operates slower with typical tolerances of ±0.003" to ±0.005". Edge quality may require secondary machining for critical fits.

What is the difference between pure and abrasive waterjet?

Pure waterjet uses water only, suitable for soft materials like foam, rubber, paper, and food products. Abrasive waterjet adds garnet abrasive to cut hard materials like metals, ceramics, and stone. Most industrial applications use abrasive waterjet.

Can waterjet cut angles and 3D shapes?

5-axis waterjet systems cut bevels up to 45-60 degrees, enabling weld preparation, countersinks, and complex 3D contours. This eliminates secondary operations for many parts. Standard 2D waterjet remains most economical for straight cuts.

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