Cutting Through the Confusion: Laser Cutting vs. Waterjet Cutting for Sheet Metal Fabrication (Updated for 2024)

Last updated on June 26th, 2024 at 08:52 am

In the ever-evolving sheet metal fabrication landscape, two cutting technologies are currently recognized as the top solutions for a multitude of projects: Laser Cutting vs. Waterjet Cutting for Sheet Metal Fabrication.

Each cutting method has advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into consideration before deciding on the approach to a specific project.

While Approved Sheet Metal (ASM) specializes in laser cutting, we also have the know-how to guide you toward the best cutting method for your specific project. Here, we’ll help you make sense of the two technologies and identify the best solution for your part and application.

Waterjet Cutting: What It Is and When to Use It

Also called “waterjetting,” waterjet cutting employs a fast, dense, high-pressure stream of water to slice through sheet metal and other materials. Infused with abrasives such as garnet or aluminum oxide, the liquid is projected through a small-bore nozzle with impressive power that can even cut ceramics, tempered glass, and diamonds.

Pros and cons of waterjet cutting

Waterjetting is incredibly versatile, capable of cutting a wide range of material types and thicknesses. Though less expensive than laser cutting, waterjet cutting isn’t as smooth as laser cutting and can produce jagged edges.

Laser Cutting: What It Is and When to Use It

Our sheet metal shop’s in-house fiber optic laser cutter is designed expressly for metalwork, with a beam generated by a fiber optic cable and amplified through a focal lens to perform clean, precise cuts.

Pros and cons of laser cutting

Fiber optic laser cutting is faster and more precise than waterjet cutting. The laser also has the ability to etch and engrave metals, replicating complex designs or performing simple part marking. Laser cutting is, however, a pricier option than waterjetting, so we advise customers to consider the overall scope and purpose of their project before requesting this option.

Laser or Waterjet: 4 Top Considerations

In sheet metal manufacturing, the choice between laser cutting and waterjet cutting might be made for you-simply because of your material type or accuracy requirements. Here are four examples of the factors that determine which process will serve your needs:

1. Material thickness

Our sheet metal shop’s laser can cut metals up to 0.375″ (⅜”) thick with high precision for even tight tolerances. A waterjet cutter is capable of cutting through thicker materials, but you won’t be able to achieve the same level of accuracy and precision possible with a laser. If you need excellent precision on parts that are too thick for laser cutting, your part will require machining.

2. Heat

Waterjet cutting is a cold process that doesn’t produce heat, which is advantageous for a couple of key reasons. First, a heat-free process means your material’s physical properties are unaffected. Second, fabricators can move a waterjet-cut piece from the waterjet machine directly to the next process without having to remove any heat-affected material.

You should note that while waterjet cutting cannot heat damage a part, the technique places extremely high forces on the material. This pressure can deform very thin materials and small parts and may render the machine incapable of cutting intricate features.

Laser cutting does, of course, generate heat. The laser’s heat becomes a concern when cutting thinner metals, which can deform under high heat, as well as intricate features and perforated patterns, which are especially sensitive to heat deformation and rolling.

In some cases, our sheet metal shop can mitigate those issues with our laser’s water assist feature. Another solution is to combine laser cutting with a punch tool, which allows ASM to alternately apply cutting or punching to different features, minimizing the impact of the laser’s heat.

3. Accuracy and precision

The quality differences between laser cutting and waterjet cutting are visible to the naked eye. If your part won’t be visible in its application and doesn’t require tight tolerances, waterjetting may be perfectly acceptable.

ASM’s laser cutter, however, is more accurate than a waterjet machine and ideal for precision sheet metal parts with tighter tolerances. Even with the smallest waterjet width of 0.020″, the cutting tolerance of a waterjet cutter is 0.008″. Laser beam widths are dynamic and can shrink to a very narrow 0.001″, achieving a cutting tolerance of approximately 0.002″.

4. Speed

Individual machines offer varying levels of power, but as a rule, lasers are faster cutters than waterjet machines. Laser cutters typically cut anywhere from 20-1000″ per minute depending on the material type and thickness, while a waterjet cutter will only achieve between 1-20″ per minute.

The Right Cutting Technology for Your Application

In comparing laser cutting and waterjet cutting, there’s no overall winner. The “best” method is always whichever one delivers the best results for your particular part and project.

ASM’s sheet metal shop provides laser cutting in-house, or we can call on our waterjetting partner to provide waterjet cutting services. Our goal is always to deliver superior sheet metal manufacturing that meets every requirement.

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Laser Cutting vs. Waterjet Cutting FAQ

What is the difference between laser cutting and waterjet cutting for sheet metal fabrication?

Laser cutting employs a focused laser beam to create precise cuts in sheet metal, offering high-speed, accuracy, and the ability to etch or engrave. On the other hand, waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water infused with abrasives to cut through materials, providing versatility but with slightly rougher edges compared to laser cutting.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of waterjet cutting?

Waterjet cutting is versatile, capable of cutting various materials and thicknesses. It’s cost-effective but may produce jagged edges compared to laser cutting, which is smoother and more precise.

What are the key advantages and disadvantages of laser cutting?

Laser cutting is faster, more precise, and allows for etching or engraving of metals. However, it tends to be more expensive than waterjet cutting and generates heat that can affect thinner metals and intricate features.

What factors should I consider when choosing between laser cutting and waterjet cutting for my project?

Consider material thickness, heat sensitivity, accuracy requirements, and speed. Laser cutting is ideal for precision parts with tighter tolerances, whereas waterjet cutting is suitable for thicker materials and applications where heat could affect the material’s properties.

How does ASM help in selecting the appropriate cutting technology for my project?

ASM specializes in laser cutting but guides clients toward the best cutting method for their specific needs. With expertise in both laser and waterjet cutting, ASM considers material properties, precision needs, and cost factors to ensure the most suitable cutting technology is employed for each project’s success.