An abrasive waterjet is one of the most versatile cutting technologies available today. It can cut virtually any material, regardless of hardness, density, reflectivity, or thermal sensitivity. Unlike laser or plasma cutting, waterjet cutting does not rely on thermal energy, so it is not limited by material properties such as reflectivity or thermal conductivity.
Materials that can be cut:
Metals: All common engineering alloys including stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, copper, Inconel, Hastelloy, tool steels, and armor-grade steels. Waterjet cutting preserves the material's microstructure and mechanical properties because there is no heat-affected zone.
Composites: Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP), Kevlar, and honeycomb structures can all be cut without delamination, fraying, or thermal damage – problems that are common with mechanical or thermal cutting methods.
Stone: Granite, marble, slate, quartz, and other natural or engineered stones.
Glass: Tempered glass, laminated glass, and borosilicate glass can be cut without thermal shock cracks.
Ceramics: Advanced ceramics, porcelain, and ceramic tiles.
Other materials: Rubber, plastics, foam, paper, and even food products.
Maximum cutting thickness:
The maximum cutting thickness depends on the material type, pump pressure, and abrasive flow rate. With a typical ultra-high pressure pump operating at 6,000 Bar (87,000 PSI), the maximum cutting thicknesses are:
| Material | Maximum Thickness |
|---|---|
| Steel (mild/stainless) | Up to 300mm |
| Aluminum | Up to 400mm |
| Titanium | Up to 250mm |
| Copper/Brass | Up to 250mm |
| Stone (granite/marble) | Up to 300mm |
| Glass | Up to 250mm |
| Composites (CFRP/GFRP) | 100mm – 200mm |
| Plastics/Rubber | Up to 400mm |
In practical production environments, stainless steel up to 200mm is commonly cut with excellent edge quality and zero heat-affected zone. For materials exceeding 100mm thickness, laser cutting is generally not feasible, whereas waterjet continues cutting efficiently. The actual achievable thickness also depends on the required edge quality and cutting speed. For example, cutting 50mm thick stainless steel at 150-200 mm/min produces a smooth edge with surface roughness of Ra 1.6-3.2 microns, ready for welding or coating without secondary cleaning.
One of the key advantages of waterjet cutting is that the "cold cutting" process preserves the material's original properties. There is no heat-affected zone, no metallurgical change, no micro-cracking, and no delamination. Materials that are heat-sensitive, such as titanium alloys and carbon composites, are cut without compromising their mechanical properties.
Winwin offers a complete range of waterjet cutting equipment, high-pressure pumps, and waterjet accessories, with fully customizable solutions tailored to your specific materials, thicknesses, and production requirements. Whether you are cutting thin sheets or massive blocks up to 400mm thick, Winwin engineers the right solution for your workshop.
Winwin provides comprehensive after-sales service for products shipped worldwide, including professional installation, calibration, operator training, spare parts supply, remote technical support, and full lifecycle service – ensuring your equipment performs reliably wherever you are.
Post time:2026-08-17
