Waterjet Cutting
Abrasive waterjet cutting uses a very high-pressure water stream mixed with garnet abrasive to cut almost any material, including thick metal, stone, glass, rubber and composites, with no heat-affected zone. It is ideal where heat would damage or harden the material.
What it is
Water at very high pressure (typically 3,000–6,000 bar) is forced through a small nozzle, and abrasive is added to erode through the material. Because it is a cold process, there is no thermal distortion, hardening or burning.
Pure waterjet without abrasive cuts soft materials such as rubber, foam and gaskets.
Typical applications
- Thick plate profiles without heat distortion
- Hardened or heat-sensitive materials
- Rubber gaskets and seals
- Glass, stone and ceramic tiles
- Composites and laminates
Suitable materials
- Steel and stainless steel (thick plate)
- Aluminium, brass, titanium
- Rubber, foam and gasket materials
- Glass, granite and ceramics
- Plastics and composites
Points to consider
- Slower and costlier than laser on thin sheet; best for thick, mixed or heat-sensitive materials.
- Edges show slight taper and texture on thick parts, reduced with slower cutting.
- Toughened glass cannot be waterjet cut; cut before toughening.
- Layered materials may delaminate at pierce points; start holes help.
Frequently asked questions
What materials can waterjet cut?
Almost anything: metals, stone, glass (not toughened), rubber, plastics, foam and composites.
Does waterjet cutting affect material properties?
No. It is a cold process with no heat-affected zone, hardening or distortion.
Is waterjet more accurate than plasma?
Yes. Waterjet is typically around ±0.1–0.25 mm, with a much smaller kerf and no heat damage.