Waterjets can cut any solid material including stone, tile, glass, metal, foam, rubber, plastic, and food.
When compared with plasma, laser, and EDM – waterjet cutting has distinct advantages. In addition to no heat-affected zone, the benefits and applications for waterjet technology are limitless and ever-expanding.
Process
Waterjet Erosion:
using high-speed liquid sandpaper.
Plasma Burning/Melting:
using a high temperature ionized gas arc.
Laser Melting:
using a concentrated laser light beam.
EDM Erosion:
using an electrical discharge.
Secondary
Processing
Waterjet
Usually none. Waterjet is a cold-cutting process that leaves a satin smooth edge.
Plasma
Typically, yes. Slag grinding for removal of HAZ (heat-affected zone) & flattening to eliminate distortion from heat. Assist gas used impacts depth of HAZ.
Laser
Sometimes yes. Removal of oxidized edge and HAZ. Gases used impact depth of HAZ.
EDM
Usually none. Very shallow HAZ imparted.
Materials
Waterjet
Virtually any material.
Plasma
Primarily steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Laser
A variety of materials, but primarily steel, stainless steel, and aluminium.
EDM
Conductive materials.
Thickness
Waterjet
Up to 24 inches, virtually any material. Z-axis constraint is only limit to thickness.
Plasma
Up to 2–3 inches, depending on the material.
Laser
Generally, 1 inch or less, depending on the material.
EDM
Generally, 12 inches or less.
Part Accuracy
Waterjet
Up to .001 inch
Plasma
Up to .010 inch
Laser
Up to .001 inch
EDM
Up to .001 inch
Capital Investment
Waterjet
£60k–£300k +
Plasma
£60k–£300k +
Laser
£200k–£1M +
EDM
£100k–£400k +
Machine Setup
Waterjet
Same setup for all materials.
Plasma
Different setup for different jobs.
Laser
Different gases and parameters for different jobs.
EDM
Different wire types for different jobs.
Edge Comparison
With waterjet, you get a satin smooth edge right off the table. With other cutting technologies there’s often secondary processing required to get that same satin smooth edge that waterjet produces.
Edge Comparison
Edge Comparison
Edge Comparison
Edge Comparison
Cut Speed Range
There are clear benefits to each cutting method. Waterjet, in comparison with laser, plasma, and edm is an incredibly versatile process that allows you to cut thick or thin materials with ease. With waterjet, you get a satin smooth edge right off of the table – no secondary processing required.
