Water jet cutting is a manufacturing process that uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut material. For harder materials, abrasive particles are added to the stream. Because the cut produces little heat, it can shape metals, plastics, composites and stone without significantly affecting the material around the cut.
We review your component specifications and CAD drawings, to understand the part's outline, holes and dimensions.
We help you choose the right material, sheet thickness, quantity, and any required tolerances.
The CNC water jet cutting machine will be programmed to follow the path outlined in the CAD drawing.
Your component(s) are then fully inspected and sent to you with a CoC.
You would choose water jet cutting when you need to cut a shape from a flat sheet or plate without heating the material. For a black polymer part, this is useful if a laser might melt or alter the cut edge. It also suits intricate outlines, thicker stock and small batches that do not justify a custom mold.
Water jets are typically used to cut flat parts or profiles from sheet and plate material. Examples include:
Choose water jet cutting when you need a precise shape cut from sheet material without heat. It can cut polymers, rubber, composites and metals without melting the edge, and it is useful for prototypes or small batches because no custom mold is needed. It works best for outlines and holes that pass all the way through the material.
In comparison to other manufacturing methods, it is ideal for designs that do not require a mold. Water jet cutting is ideal for simpler designs that do not require depth. It is often used as an initial step for component production.
Water jet cutting is mainly suited to cutting outlines and through-holes, so it cannot create pockets, threads or other features within a part without additional machining. Thick material may take longer to cut and can have a less accurate or more tapered edge. Some materials may also need cleaning or drying after cutting, and abrasive cutting adds consumable costs.
Suitability depends on a component's material
Polyacetal (POM), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyamide (PA), polyetherimide (PEI), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)
Unfilled plastic sheet is generally well suited to water jet cutting. The water cut process introduces no heat that could melt the edge. Thin or flexible stock may need extra support.
PEEK GF30, PA66 GF60, RENY MXD6
Their glass reinforcement calls for abrasive water jet cutting and a trial cut to check the edge and any exposed fibers.
Ceramic alumina (Al₂O₃), ceramic zirconia (ZrO₂)
Both can be abrasive-water-jet cut, but brittle ceramics need suitable support and a careful start to the cut to limit cracking or chipping.