Why Choose Waterjet Cutting for Metal?
No Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)
The biggest advantage of abrasive waterjet metal cutting is the absence of heat.
Unlike plasma or laser cutting, waterjet technology does not create a heat-affected zone.
Benefits include:
✔ No thermal distortion
✔ No material hardening
✔ No discoloration
✔ Preserved material properties
✔ Reduced secondary processing
This makes waterjet especially valuable for aerospace alloys, stainless steel components and precision engineering parts.
Cuts Almost Any Industrial Metal
One of the strongest advantages of waterjet technology is its material flexibility.
A single machine can cut:
- Steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Titanium
- Copper
- Brass
- Bronze
- Inconel®
Unlike laser cutting, which often requires specific material conditions, abrasive waterjet technology is not affected by reflective surfaces or heat-sensitive materials.
Complex Shape Cutting Capability
Metal manufacturers increasingly require customized components rather than simple straight cuts.
Waterjet cutting enables production of:
- Precision machine parts
- Custom brackets
- Industrial components
- Prototype parts
- Decorative metal designs
The narrow cutting kerf allows detailed geometries while minimizing material waste.
Superior Edge Quality
The controlled abrasive cutting process produces smooth metal edges with minimal burr formation.
Advantages:
✔ Less grinding
✔ Reduced polishing
✔ Lower finishing costs
✔ Faster production cycles
For many applications, parts can be used directly after cutting without additional machining.
Reduced Material Waste
The narrow kerf of abrasive waterjet cutting improves nesting efficiency.
This allows manufacturers to:
- Maximize sheet utilization
- Reduce scrap materials
- Lower production costs
- Improve overall efficiency
This advantage is especially important when processing expensive materials such as titanium, stainless steel and aluminum alloys.
Technical Specifications of CNC Metal Waterjet Cutting Machine
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Cutting Technology |
CNC Abrasive Waterjet |
| Cutting Materials |
Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Titanium, Copper, Brass |
| Cutting Head Options |
3-Axis / AB 5-Axis / AC 5-Axis |
| Maximum Pressure |
420 MPa (60,000 PSI) |
| Pump Type |
Hydraulic Intensifier Pump |
| Positioning Accuracy |
±0.05 mm |
| Repeatability Accuracy |
±0.03 mm |
| Transmission System |
Ball Screw + Linear Guide |
| Abrasive Type |
Garnet |
| CNC Control |
Industrial PC-Based Controller |
| File Compatibility |
DXF, DWG, CAD Files |
Recommended Machine Models
HORD provides different configurations according to production requirements.
| Model |
Working Area |
Configuration |
Recommended Application |
| HD-G2515-3X |
2500 × 1500 mm |
3-Axis |
Small metal fabrication |
| HD-G3020-3X |
3000 × 2000 mm |
3-Axis |
General industrial cutting |
| HD-AB3020-5X |
3000 × 2000 mm |
AB 5-Axis |
Bevel metal cutting |
| HD-AC3020-5X |
3000 × 2000 mm |
AC 5-Axis |
Complex metal parts |
| HD-AC4020-5X |
4000 × 2000 mm |
AC 5-Axis |
Large industrial components |
Metal Materials Suitable for Waterjet Cutting
Abrasive waterjet technology is widely used because it can process a broad range of metals without changing cutting methods.
Carbon Steel Cutting
Carbon steel is one of the most common materials processed by waterjet systems.
Applications include:
- Structural components
- Machine parts
- Fabrication plates
- Industrial brackets
Waterjet cutting provides clean edges without heat distortion, making it suitable for precision steel fabrication.
Stainless Steel Cutting
Stainless steel is widely used in industries requiring corrosion resistance and high strength.
Typical applications:
- Food processing equipment
- Medical equipment
- Chemical machinery
- Industrial enclosures
Waterjet cutting avoids heat discoloration and maintains the appearance of stainless steel surfaces.
Aluminum Cutting
Aluminum requires careful processing because of its low melting point and lightweight structure.
Waterjet cutting provides:
✔ No melting
✔ No thermal deformation
✔ Smooth edges
✔ High dimensional accuracy
Applications include:
- Aerospace parts
- Automotive components
- Lightweight structures
Titanium and Exotic Alloy Cutting
Advanced industries often use difficult-to-machine materials such as:
- Titanium
- Inconel®
- Nickel alloys
- Tool steel
These materials are expensive and sensitive to heat.
Abrasive waterjet cutting helps manufacturers maintain material integrity while producing complex components.
Metal Waterjet Cutting Applications
Aerospace Component Manufacturing
The aerospace industry requires extremely high precision when processing lightweight and high-strength alloys.
Waterjet cutting is used for:
- Aircraft brackets
- Titanium components
- Prototype parts
- Engine-related components
- Structural panels
The absence of thermal damage makes waterjet suitable for aerospace materials that cannot tolerate heat exposure.
Automotive Manufacturing
Automotive manufacturers use waterjet technology for both prototype development and production components.
Applications include:
- Automotive brackets
- Custom vehicle parts
- Exhaust components
- Interior metal panels
- Prototype components
The flexibility of CNC programming allows manufacturers to quickly produce customized designs.
Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing
Industrial machinery often requires customized metal components with complex profiles.
Waterjet cutting is used for:
- Machine frames
- Precision plates
- Gear components
- Mounting parts
- Equipment panels
Steel Fabrication Industry
Steel fabrication workshops benefit from waterjet technology because one machine can process different thicknesses and material types.
Typical applications:
- Steel plates
- Structural parts
- Custom fabrication projects
- Heavy equipment components
Architectural Metal Processing
Waterjet cutting enables designers to create detailed metal structures.
Applications include:
- Decorative metal panels
- Stainless steel screens
- Architectural artwork
- Custom interior elements
The narrow kerf allows complex patterns and detailed designs.
For projects combining different materials, manufacturers may also use a Glass Waterjet Cutter or Stone Waterjet Cutter to create complete architectural solutions.
Typical Metal Cutting Thickness Capability
Actual cutting thickness depends on material type, pump power, abrasive flow and required edge quality.
| Material |
Typical Cutting Thickness |
| Aluminum |
Up to 200 mm |
| Stainless Steel |
Up to 150 mm |
| Carbon Steel |
150–230 mm |
| Titanium Alloy |
Heavy plate applications |
| Copper & Brass |
Medium thickness applications |
For most industrial applications, waterjet systems commonly process steel plates up to approximately 150 mm (6 inches), while specialized configurations can handle thicker materials.
Recommended Metal Waterjet Cutting Speeds
The following values are reference ranges based on typical industrial cutting conditions.
| Material |
Thickness |
Cutting Speed |
| Aluminum |
10 mm |
2500–4000 mm/min |
| Aluminum |
50 mm |
800–1500 mm/min |
| Stainless Steel |
10 mm |
1200–2000 mm/min |
| Stainless Steel |
50 mm |
400–800 mm/min |
| Carbon Steel |
10 mm |
1500–2500 mm/min |
| Carbon Steel |
50 mm |
500–1000 mm/min |
| Titanium |
20 mm |
400–900 mm/min |
Cutting speed varies depending on:
- Material hardness
- Thickness
- Required edge quality
- Abrasive type
- Pump pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a waterjet cut metal?
Yes. Abrasive waterjet machines can cut a wide range of metals including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, copper and brass.
What metals can be cut with a waterjet?
A waterjet can process almost all industrial metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, Inconel®, brass, bronze and tool steel.
How thick of steel can a waterjet cut?
Industrial waterjet machines commonly cut steel plates up to 150 mm (6 inches). Specialized systems can process thicker steel depending on requirements.
Does waterjet cutting damage metal?
No. Waterjet cutting is a cold cutting process and does not create a heat-affected zone, thermal distortion or material hardening.
Is waterjet better than laser cutting for metal?
For heat-sensitive materials, thick plates and mixed metal production, waterjet provides advantages because it does not introduce thermal damage.
Can waterjet cut aluminum?
Yes. Waterjet is an excellent solution for aluminum because it prevents melting, deformation and heat-related surface damage.
Can waterjet cut titanium and Inconel?
Yes. Abrasive waterjet technology is widely used for aerospace alloys such as titanium and Inconel because it preserves material properties.
What is the difference between 3-axis and 5-axis metal waterjet cutting?
A 3-axis system performs standard vertical cutting, while a 5-axis system enables bevel cutting, taper compensation and complex multi-angle machining.
