Laser Cutting vs. Waterjet Cutting for Sheet Metal Fabrication

Two cutting technologies have emerged as the most popular in the sheet metal fabrication industry. These are: Laser Cutting and Waterjet Cutting.

Before deciding how to tackle a particular project, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each cutting method.

We specialize in laser cutting but we have the knowledge to help you choose the right cutting method for the project. We’ll explain the differences between the two technologies, and help you choose the right solution for your project.

Waterjet cutting: What is it and when to use it?

Waterjet cutting, also known as “waterjetting,” uses a dense, fast stream of high-pressure water to cut through sheet metals and other materials. The liquid, which is infused with abrasives like garnet or aluminum oxide, is projected out of a small-bored nozzle at a high pressure. It can cut through ceramics, diamonds, and tempered glass.

Waterjet cutting: pros and cons

Waterjetting can cut a variety of materials and thicknesses. Waterjet cutting can be less expensive than laser but it is not as smooth and can result in jagged edges.

What is Laser Cutting and when can you use it?

The fiber optic laser that we have in our sheet metal shop is specifically designed for metalwork. A beam generated by the fiber optic cable is amplified via a focal lens, allowing us to make clean, precise cuts.

Laser cutting: pros and cons

Fiber optic laser cutting can be faster and more accurate than waterjet cutting. Lasers can also engrave and etch metals to replicate complex designs or perform simple part marking. The laser cutting option is more expensive than waterjetting. We advise our customers to carefully consider the scope and purpose before choosing this option.

What are the top 4 considerations when choosing between laser and waterjet?

You may not have to choose between waterjet or laser cutting in sheet metal fabrication if your accuracy and material requirements are the same. Four factors can determine the best process for your needs.

Material thickness

The laser in our sheet metal shop can cut metals as thick as 0.375″ (3/8″) with precision and tight tolerances. Waterjet cutters can cut through thicker material, but they won’t achieve the same precision and accuracy as a laser. For parts too thick to be laser cut, machining is the only way to achieve excellent precision.

Heat

The cold waterjet process does not produce heat. This is beneficial for several reasons. A heat-free cutting process ensures that your material’s properties will not be affected. Fabricators can also move a piece of waterjet-cut material directly from the waterjet to the next step without having to remove heat-affected materials.

It is important to note that waterjet cutting does not heat damage an object, but it can place extremely high forces on a material. This pressure may deform thin materials or small parts, and render the machine unable to cut intricate features.

Laser cutting generates heat, as is obvious. Laser heat is a problem when cutting thin metals that can deform in high heat.

Our sheet metal shop may be able to mitigate these issues in some cases with the water-assistance feature of our laser. Atscott Mfg. can also combine laser cutting and a punch tool to minimize the heat generated by the laser.

Precision and accuracy

Waterjet and laser cutting have different quality levels that are easily visible. Waterjetting may be acceptable if your part is not visible and does not require tight tolerances.

Atscott Mfg’s Laser Cutter is more precise than a Waterjet Machine and ideal for precision sheet parts with tighter tolerences. Waterjet cutting tolerance is 0.008″ even with a 0.020″ waterjet width. Laser beam widths can be dynamically reduced to as small as 0.001″, which results in a tolerance of 0.002″.

Speed up

Lasers can be faster than waterjets, although the power of each machine varies. Laser cutters can cut between 20 and 1000″ per second, depending on the type of material and thickness. Waterjet cutters are limited to 1-20″.

Choose the Right Cutting Technology for your Application

There is no clear winner when comparing waterjet and laser cutting. It’s always the “best” method that delivers the best results on your part or project.

Atscott Mfg sheet metal shop offers laser cutting and waterjet cutting. We strive to provide superior sheet metal manufacturing services that meet all requirements.

Request a quote to kickstart your next project!