Q - Material Thickness: What are the capabilities of waterjet cutting?
A - Waterjet cutting can cut materials up to and beyond 12” thick – including steel.
Q - Material Types: What types of materials can be cut with a waterjet?
A - Waterjet cutting is appropriate for most materials, if there is any question we can make a few sample cuts for you.
Q - Accuracy & Tolerances: How precise are the cuts made by waterjet cutting?
A - Depending on the type of material the typical cutting tolerances are as fine as .0015" and usually hold 0.005" for most materials.
Exceptionally thick materials (> 5") tend to be more difficult to hold tight tolerances on.
Q - Finished Edges: Does waterjet cutting leave a rough edge or burrs?
A - Water jet cutting leaves an edge similar to conventional machining and varies based on material type. For
the majority of parts there is no need for secondary processing or finishing.
Q - Minimizing Waste: How does waterjet cutting compare to conventional machining?
A - Water jet cutting allows for the maximum amount of parts to be cut from a single sheet of material. Our machine's proprietary
nesting software helps us to optimize material usage, so we can pass the savings on to you.
Q - Environmental Concerns: Are there negative environmental impacts with waterjet cutting?
A - No. Water used in cutting is acceptable for standard drain disposal. Our garnet abrasive - a natural crystal - is separated and can be reused for sandblasting or reintroduced to the environment. There are no hazardous materials used in water jet cutting.
Q - Lead Times: Does waterjet cutting require a lengthy lead time?
A - Water jet cutting is very fast and may be faster than conventional plasma, laser, or wire EDM machining.
We keep out lead time to 1-3 day, for most jobs.
Q - Cost of Services: Is waterjet cutting more expensive than conventional machining?
A - No. In fact, water jet cutting provides efficiency that can provide a lower manufacturing cost than conventional 2D machining methods.