Production Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes

Waterjet Cutting

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Waterjet cut metal sheet

Waterjet fabrication facilities

We offer waterject production parts in a variety of factories and countries including 

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Vietnam

We offer waterject cutting in Vietnam.

Malaysia

We offer waterject cutting in Malaysia.

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Eastern EU

We offer waterject cutting in Eastern EU.

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China

We offer waterject cutting in China.

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What is waterjet cutting?

Waterjet cutting is a versatile and precise manufacturing process that uses a high-pressure stream of water, sometimes mixed with an abrasive material, to cut through a wide variety of materials. The water is pressurized to extreme levels (up to 60,000 psi or more) and directed through a narrow nozzle to create a concentrated stream capable of cutting materials like metals, stone, glass, plastics, and composites. When combined with abrasive particles, such as garnet, the process becomes even more effective for cutting tougher materials like steel and titanium. One of the key advantages of waterjet cutting is that it does not introduce heat into the material, making it ideal for cutting materials that are sensitive to heat, such as certain plastics and metals.

Waterjet cutting machine cutting a piece of metal

Why choose waterjet cutting for your parts?

Waterjet cutting is widely used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction due to its ability to produce intricate, highly accurate cuts without altering the material properties. It can cut complex shapes with tight tolerances, and because the process is cold, it eliminates the risk of heat-related warping or structural changes. Additionally, waterjet cutting generates minimal waste and does not produce harmful fumes, making it an environmentally friendly option. The process is capable of cutting both thin and thick materials, making it a versatile solution for many different manufacturing applications.

Waterjet cutting head cutting steel sheet metal

Waterjet Cutting Capabilities

Genearal tolerances for waterjet cut parts listed below.


Maximum Thickness

Waterjet-cut parts can reach a maximum thickness of up to 5 in/127mm.


Minimum Part Size

76 mm

3 inch


Edges

Waterjet-cut parts may have vertical striations along the edges and could exhibit a slight taper.


Kerf (width of the cut or slit made by a cutting tool)

1.57 mmm
0.062 inch

Waterjet Cutting Materials

Standard and custom materials are available for waterjet cut parts. Need a custom material quote? Contact us, we're happy to source the material and quote the project from start to finish. 


Materials

Metals*

  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Stainless Steel
  • Alloy Steel
  • Carbon Steel, Low and Mild
  • Titanium

*Metals up to 5" thick

Plastics

  • ABS
  • Acetal
  • ABS,
  • Acetal [Delrin],
  • Acrylic,
  • G-10 Garolite,
  • Nylon 6/6,
  • PEEK,
  • Polycarbonate,
  • PTFE [Teflon],
  • Polypropylene,
  • Ultra-High Molecular Weight, Polyethylene

Finishing Options for Waterjet Cut Parts

Choose from a variety of machine part finishes 

Material

Finish

Colors

Compatible with


Aluminum

Alodine

Clear, gold

Media Blasting, Tumbling, Type II Anodizing* Type III Anodizing*, Type III Anodizing with PTFE*


Aluminum

Anodizing

Clear, black, green, red, blue, orange

Media Blasting, Tumbling


Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel

Nickel Plating

Media Blasting, Tumbling


Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel

Powder Coating

Custom colors

Media Blasting, Tumbling


Steel, Stainless Steel

Black Oxide

Black

Media Blasting, Tumbling, Passivation


Steel, Stainless Steel

Passivation

Black Oxide, Electroless Nickle Plating, Zinc Plating, Media Blasting, Tumbling


Steel, Stainless Steel

Zinc Plating

Clear/light blue, Black/glossy black

Black Oxide, Electroless Nickle Plating, Zinc Plating, Media Blasting, Tumbling

Waterjet Cutting
Frequently Asked Questions

Get the answers to these questions about waterjet cut parts.

General waterjet cutting FAQs

What is water jet cutting?

Water jet cutting is a process that uses a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with abrasive materials, to cut through various types of materials, including metal, stone, glass, and composites. It’s a versatile and precise cutting method used in many industries.

What materials can be cut with a waterjet?

Water jets can cut a wide range of materials, including metals like steel and aluminum, non-metals like glass, ceramics, plastics, rubber, and even composites. It’s especially effective for materials that are sensitive to heat, as water jet cutting is a cold process.

What industries use water jet cutting?

Waterjet cutting is used in many industries, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, construction, and even art and design. Its precision and versatility make it suitable for everything from intricate designs to heavy-duty industrial applications.

Is waterjet cutting environmentally friendly?

Yes, water jet cutting is considered environmentally friendly because it doesn’t produce hazardous fumes or waste. The water and abrasive materials used can often be recycled, and since it’s a cold cutting process, it doesn’t generate heat that could lead to harmful emissions.

Technical waterjet cutting FAQs

What is the difference between pure water jet and abrasive water jet cutting?

Pure water jet cutting uses only water and is typically used for soft materials like rubber, foam, or textiles. Abrasive water jet cutting, on the other hand, mixes abrasive particles (like garnet) with water to cut harder materials such as metal, stone, and ceramics.

How precise is water jet cutting?

Water jet cutting can achieve a high degree of precision, often cutting within tolerances as tight as 0.005 inches (0.13 mm). The level of precision depends on factors like material type, thickness, and machine setup, making it ideal for both intricate and heavy-duty applications.

What is the maximum thickness a water jet can cut?

Water jets can cut materials up to several inches thick. For most metals, the maximum thickness is around 6 inches (150 mm), while softer materials can be cut at even greater thicknesses. However, cutting thicker materials may take longer and reduce cutting precision.

How fast can a water jet cut?

The cutting speed of a water jet depends on several factors, including the material type, thickness, and the amount of abrasive used. Typically, thinner materials like metals or plastics can be cut at faster speeds, while thicker, harder materials require slower cutting to maintain precision.

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