When you need materials cut, you’ve got several different options in cutting methods. Often, people will opt for laser cutting, which is one of the most common types, but most of the time water jet cutting services will be better for your needs. Water jet cutting may not be as well-known but keeping it in mind could save you time and money when there’s cutting to be done.
Four Reasons Why Water Jet Cutting Is Usually Better Than Lasers
1. Cut any material
Water jets can cut through virtually any material on earth with ease, from hard stone like granite to delicate materials like foam. It can do this without harming the material, unlike laser cutting, which relies on high heat that can damage or ruin many materials.
2. No finishing
Water jet cutting is a one-and-done process. It leaves a perfectly clean and smooth cut every time. Laser cutting, on the other hand, can burn or chemically alter the material because of the heat it generates, which can necessitate additional finishing, or worse, having to replace the damaged material.
3. Cut thicker objects
Lasers generally struggle to cut through materials that are thicker than an inch or so. On the other hand, water jets can easily cut up to 7-8 inches thick without a problem. This further adds to the versatility of water jet cutting services.
4. Lower costs
When a cutting process can be done more quickly and doesn’t require finishing, that means lower costs. In addition, water jet cutting services are usually more energy-efficient than lasers, which further adds to your savings when compared to laser cutting.
Are There Any Times That Laser Cutting Is Best?
There are a couple of circumstances where lasers might offer a slight advantage. In particular, if you need to cut thin metal that won’t be damaged by the laser, it might be a bit quicker than water jet cutting, but the difference will be minimal. Also, when you need extremely high precision, lasers can be slightly more precise than water jets, however, water jets can achieve tolerances up to ± .003″ and it is a rare application that needs more precision than that.
For Affordable Water Jet Cutting Services, Contact Precision Cutting Service
Precision Cutting Service specializes in high-quality water jet cutting, from custom OEM parts, gaskets, to signs and custom cut floor medallions. Whatever you need to cut, call us to discuss the job.
