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How is a Water Jet Cutting Machine Different from Laser Cutting?

It is surprising to know that many people today are still unaware of how efficient water jet cutting machines are. The working idea behind this popular material cutting method was inspired by how a waterfall wears away rock formations at the bottom of a deep ravine. Only that it is done in warp speeds, and executed with greater emphasis on precision.

The Power of Water Jet Cutting Machine

To further intensify the cutting power of a waterjet cutter, the pressurized water used for these cutting machines can be mixed with abrasive particles. Typically used for this purpose are aluminum oxide and garnets.

As for the cutting force of water jet cutting machine, it can reach a maximum power of 60,000 psi. This explains the reason why this material cutting method is most recommended and preferred for projects that involve cutting of thicker material objects where the use of laser cutting method may not be very feasible at all, or would just run the risk of giving poor quality cut.

Some of the most common reasons why a significant number of metal fabrication centers in the country are shifting or patronizing the use of waterjet machines are due to the following: 

It can be used when working on thicker materials, including patterns that come with large tolerances.

They are trying to veer away from heat interference due to laser transferring its heat to the materials being cut. At high risk here are patterns that are so close to each other.

Waterjet cutting allows your metals to lay flat throughout the entire cutting process. In the laser cutting method, there are instances that you need to know how to put them at the right level.

Their team is involved or deals with an array of different materials. Waterjets earned a good reputation in cutting through stone, ceramic, steel, reflective metals, and many others.  

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting machines are in high demand these days, even from the very first day they were introduced to the market and we attribute this to their high level of precision. They also gained wide acceptance among various industries because they cut your materials fast.

But if there is one major setback you can complain about this method of cutting, it is the fact that you are limited to cutting only ⅝ of thickness. Beyond this level of thickness, it is hard to maintain an exceptional quality of cut.

Today’s software applications allow you to send a CAD file to the laser computer. After which you can begin cutting materials for your project within seconds. Many fabrication shops in the country are employing this method to help address their prototyping needs.

Laser cutting machines come with a stackable material tower which makes them ideal for big production runs. Many companies execute long, overnight cutting runs. They also leave these cutting machines unattended. 

Major Differences of Water Jet Cutting Machine and Laser Cutter Devices

Laser Cutting VS Water Jet

Infrared Light and gas laserEnergy and SourceWater and high-pressure pump
8 x (4 -20’) x 6.5’Standard Table Size8 x (4-13’) x 6.5’
Sheet MetalCommon Cut MaterialsStone, ceramics, thick metal
0.31” to 0.4”0.06”Economical ThicknessMinimum Hole Size0.250” to 2”0.02”
0.002”Tolerance0.008