Laser or Waterjet?
Laser or Waterjet
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR APPLICATION
- Waterjets can cut thicker materials, up to 6″ thick and more.
- Lasers can usually cut thinner materials much faster and more cost effective.
- Waterjets can cut virtually any material.
- Lasers are more limited in what materials can or should be cut.
- Waterjets cut with very little Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).
- Lasers heat material during cutting process.
- Waterjets can usually cut short run of parts at a lower cost. There is usually less setup time.
- Lasers are better suited for long run of parts.
- Waterjet tolerances can be programmed in a wide range, and a wide range of cut surface conditions.
- Laser tolerances are about +/- .007, or better.
- Waterjets can cut different material types with virtually no machine tooling changes.
- Depending on material and job changes, setup time may vary between material and job changes.
- Waterjets introduce water on the material surface.
- Laser is dry cutting.
- Waterjet can cut through different layers of material.
- Lasers can only cut through one layer of material.