When it comes to precision manufacturing, choosing the right cutting method is just as important as selecting the right material. Waterjet cutting has become one of the most versatile technologies available today, capable of slicing through a wide variety of materials with unmatched accuracy. At AP Precision Machine, Inc., we’ve worked with everything from aerospace-grade metals to delicate composites, and the results speak for themselves.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how different materials behave under waterjet cutting and why this process is often the best choice for custom parts.
Metals: Steel, aluminum, and titanium
Waterjet cutting is especially effective for metals because it avoids the heat-related issues of other cutting methods, like laser or plasma. Since there’s no heat-affected zone (HAZ), the structural integrity of the metal remains intact, ensuring stronger, more reliable parts.
- Stainless steel: Perfect for industries requiring corrosion resistance, such as pharmaceuticals or food processing. The clean cut eliminates the need for secondary finishing.
- Aluminum: Lightweight but strong, aluminum cuts quickly and cleanly with waterjet technology, making it ideal for aerospace and automotive parts.
- Titanium: Known for its strength and high cost, titanium benefits from the precision of waterjet cutting, which minimizes waste and maximizes material usage.
Composites and plastics
Composites can be tricky to cut with conventional methods due to delamination and uneven edges. Waterjet cutting solves this by using a cold cutting process that doesn’t compromise the material.
- Carbon fiber: Popular in aerospace and high-performance industries, waterjet cutting prevents fraying and maintains smooth edges.
- Plastics (PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate): Waterjet avoids melting or warping, a common issue with heat-based cutting methods.
Ceramics, glass, and stone
Fragile materials require precision and care, and that’s exactly where waterjet cutting shines. By adjusting the pressure and abrasive levels, we can achieve clean, intricate cuts without cracks or micro-fractures.
- Ceramics: Used in electronics, medical equipment, and aerospace, ceramics maintain their integrity during the process.
- Glass: Decorative or industrial, waterjet cutting allows for complex designs without breakage.
- Stone: Often used in architectural applications, waterjet can produce detailed shapes and smooth finishes in marble, granite, or engineered stone.
Why material versatility matters
For engineers, buyers, and manufacturers, flexibility is everything. Projects rarely rely on just one material. Being able to count on a single cutting process, one that can handle stainless steel one day and carbon fiber the next, saves time, reduces costs, and ensures consistent quality.
At AP Precision, we’ve built our reputation on adapting waterjet technology to serve industries with unique needs. With more than 20 years of experience, we combine expertise, efficiency, and advanced equipment to deliver results across multiple sectors.
Conclusion
At AP Precision, we’ve built our reputation on adapting waterjet technology to serve industries with unique needs. With more than 20 years of experience, we combine expertise, efficiency, and advanced equipment to deliver results across multiple sectors.
No matter the industry, material choice plays a huge role in the success of a project. Waterjet cutting provides the precision, flexibility, and reliability needed to bring even the most complex designs to life. From metals to composites, ceramics to plastics, the possibilities are endless, and AP Precision Machine, Inc. is here to make them a reality.
