Pressurise
An intensifier pump raises water pressure.
Manufacturing services · Chapter D · Method 21
Waterjet cutting
Ultra-high-pressure water, usually with garnet abrasive, erodes a narrow cut through almost any material with no heat-affected zone.
How it works
Waterjet cutting, step by step.
A labelled schematic of the process (not to scale), and the four steps every job goes through.
Mix abrasive
Garnet is drawn into the jet in the cutting head.
Cut
The jet erodes the material; a tank catches the energy.
Clean
Rinse, dry and deburr.
Reference figures
What to expect.
Typical industry values to help you plan. We agree the figures for your part on the drawing.
Tolerance±0.25 mmTop face
HeatNoneNo hardening or warping
ThicknessThick plateTaper on bottom face
MaterialsAlmost anyMetal, stone, rubber, glass
| Materials | Metals, stone, glass, composites, rubber, foam and thick plastics. |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Satin edge with vertical striations; frosted edges on clear plastics. |
| Design guidance |
|
| Best suited to | Gaskets, thick plate, stone, composites and rubber sheet parts. |
| Watch-outs | Slower than laser on thin sheet; wet process. |
More in chapter D
Other methods in Sheet & tube
- 19 · Sheet metal fabrication
- 20 · Laser cutting
- 22 · Plasma cutting
- 23 · Sheet metal bending
- 24 · Punching
- 25 · Laser tube cutting
- 26 · Tube bending
Next step
Not sure this is the right route?
Send a sketch, photo, sample or CAD file with your quantity and target date. We will recommend the most sensible route and explain the trade-offs before quoting.
Reference figures are typical published industry values for planning, not a guarantee; final tolerances, materials and finishes are agreed in writing for each project.