Our CNC Water Jet Cutting Services

Elevate your manufacturing projects with our premium CNC Water Jet Cutting services—the ultimate solution for precise, versatile, and eco-friendly cutting. Whether you’re working with metals, stone, glass, or composites, we deliver exceptional precision cutting with minimal heat impact, no tool wear, and tailored solutions for industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. Experience the power of cold cutting technology to bring your designs to life efficiently and cost-effectively!​

cnc water jet cutting
cnc water jet cutting

What Is CNC Water Jet Cutting?

CNC Water Jet Cutting is a advanced technology that uses a high-pressure stream of water (often mixed with abrasive particles) to cut, shape, or engrave a wide range of materials. Unlike heat-based cutting methods, it relies on the force of water to slice through materials—making it ideal for heat-sensitive substrates.​

At its core, the process overview is simple: A high-pressure pump (generating up to 90,000 PSI) forces water through a tiny nozzle (as small as 0.1mm in diameter). For hard materials like metal or stone, abrasive particles (such as garnet) are added to the water stream to enhance cutting power; for soft materials like rubber or foam, a pure water jet (no abrasives) works perfectly.​

To explain “how it works” in plain terms: Think of a super-strong water hose that’s guided by a computer. The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system follows pre-programmed designs, moving the water jet nozzle with extreme accuracy to cut through materials—leaving clean, smooth edges. This is the essence of water jet basics: using water’s force, not heat, to achieve precise cuts.

Our CNC Water Jet Cutting Capabilities

We offer comprehensive cutting capabilities to meet the diverse needs of different industries. Below is a detailed breakdown of our key capacities, including maximum material thickness, material size limits, precision levels, custom cutting, and tolerance achievements:​

Capability​Specification​
Maximum Material Thickness– Metals: Up to 300mm (stainless steel), 250mm (aluminum), 150mm (titanium), 200mm (brass)​
– Non-Metals: Up to 500mm (stone/granite), 100mm (glass), 200mm (composites), 300mm (plastics)​
– Special Materials: Up to 100mm (ceramics), 150mm (rubber)​
Material Size LimitsStandard: 4000mm x 2000mm; Custom large-format: Up to 6000mm x 3000mm (with specialized setups)​
Precision Levels±0.1mm for metals; ±0.2mm for non-metals; ±0.15mm for special materials​
Custom Cutting– Complex 2D/3D designs (compatible with CAD/CAM files: DXF, DWG, STL, AI)​
– Low-volume prototypes (1–100 units) to high-volume production (50,000+ units/month)​
– Intricate shapes, holes (down to 1mm diameter), and beveled cuts (0–45 degrees)​
Tolerance AchievementsConsistent ±0.05mm tolerance for critical parts (e.g., aerospace components); meets ISO 2768 medium standards​

Whether you need a single custom part or mass-produced components, our capabilities scale to match your project requirements without sacrificing quality.

The CNC Water Jet Cutting Process

Our step-by-step process is designed to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and consistency from start to finish. Each phase is closely monitored to meet your exact specifications:​

  1. Design and Preparation: We start by reviewing your design files (CAD, DXF, etc.) or collaborating with you to create a design. Our team checks for feasibility—ensuring the design aligns with the chosen material’s properties and your cutting goals (e.g., thickness, precision).​
  1. Programming the CNC: Once the design is finalized, our engineers convert it into a CNC-compatible program. The program defines the nozzle’s path, cutting speed, water pressure, and whether abrasives are needed (for abrasive water jet cutting).​
  1. Setup and Calibration: The material is secured to the cutting bed (to prevent movement during cutting). We calibrate the water pressure (adjusting from 30,000 to 90,000 PSI based on material hardness), align the nozzle, and load abrasives (if required). A test cut (on scrap material) ensures all settings are correct.​
  1. Cutting Execution: The CNC system takes control—moving the nozzle along the programmed path. For hard materials like stainless steel, the abrasive water jet (water + garnet) slices through efficiently; for soft materials like rubber, the pure water jet delivers clean cuts without damage.​

Post-Cutting Inspection: After cutting, each part undergoes thorough inspection. We check dimensions (using calipers, micrometers, and CMMs), edge quality, and adherence to tolerance requirements. Parts that pass move to finishing; any deviations are corrected immediately.

Materials We Work With

CNC Water Jet Cutting is renowned for its versatility—able to cut almost any material, from hard metals to fragile glass. Below is a breakdown of our supported materials, along with their key properties and ideal uses:​

Material Category​Examples​Key Properties​Ideal Applications​
MetalsStainless SteelCorrosion-resistant, strong​Aerospace components, medical devices, kitchen equipment​
AluminumLightweight, heat-conductive​Automotive parts, electronics enclosures, architectural frames​
TitaniumHigh strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatible​Medical implants, aerospace engine parts​
BrassMalleable, conductive​Electrical components, decorative parts, valves​
Non-MetalsStone (Granite/Marble)Durable, aesthetically pleasing​Countertops, architectural facades, monuments​
GlassTransparent, brittle​Custom glass partitions, decorative panels, electronics screens​
Composite MaterialsLightweight, high strength​Racing car bodies, aerospace structures, wind turbine blades​
PlasticsVersatile, cost-effective​Packaging, consumer goods, industrial components​
Special MaterialsCeramicsHeat-resistant, hard​Engine parts, electrical insulators, medical tools​
RubberElastic, shock-absorbent​Gaskets, seals, automotive bushings, industrial hoses​

We also regularly test new materials—if you have a specialty substrate in mind, contact our team to discuss cutting feasibility!

Surface Treatment & Finishing Options

After cutting, we offer a range of surface treatment and finishing options to enhance the appearance, durability, and functionality of your parts. Our most popular services include:​

  • Sandblasting: Creates a textured, matte surface (ideal for stone, metal, or glass parts that need a non-slip finish or uniform appearance).​
  • Polishing: Delivers a smooth, shiny surface (perfect for stainless steel, brass, or marble parts used in visible applications like decorative pieces or medical devices).​
  • Painting: Applies a durable, color-matched coating (available in matte, gloss, or textured finishes) to protect against corrosion and wear.​
  • Coating: Options include powder coating (thick, scratch-resistant) and galvanizing (zinc coating for outdoor metal parts).​
  • Heat Treatment: Strengthens metal parts (e.g., titanium or steel) by heating and cooling them—improving hardness and durability for high-stress applications.​
  • Deburring: Removes sharp edges or burrs from cut parts (critical for safety and assembly, especially in electronics and medical devices).​

The table below compares our finishing options by key factors:​

Finishing Option​Durability​Lead Time​Cost (per sq. meter)​Best For​
Sandblasting​Medium​1–2 days​​20–45​Stone/metal parts needing texture​
Polishing​High​2–3 days​​35–60​Visible metal/stone parts​
Painting​High​2–3 days​​25–50​Outdoor/industrial metal parts​
Coating (Powder)​Very High​2–4 days​​30–65​Heavy-duty metal components​
Heat Treatment​Very High​3–5 days​​40–75​High-stress metal parts (aerospace/automotive)​
Deburring​Medium​1 day​​15–30​Parts requiring safe assembly​

Tolerances & Quality Assurance

Tolerances and accuracy standards are critical to our service—we understand that even small deviations can compromise part performance. Our precision levels and tolerance ranges are tailored to your material and application, backed by rigorous measurement techniques and quality control processes:​

Material​Standard Tolerance​Tight-Tolerance Option​Accuracy Standard Used​Measurement Technique​
Stainless Steel​±0.15mm​±0.05mm​ISO 2768 Medium, ASME Y14.5​CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine)​
Aluminum​±0.15mm​±0.08mm​ISO 2768 Medium, ASME Y14.5​CMM + Digital Calipers​
Titanium​±0.20mm​±0.10mm​ISO 2768 Medium, AMS 2750​CMM + Laser Micrometer​
Stone (Granite)​±0.30mm​±0.15mm​ISO 12472, ASTM C971​Digital Level + Calipers​
Glass​±0.25mm​±0.12mm​ISO 1288-1, ASTM C1036​Optical Comparator + Calipers​
Ceramics​±0.20mm​±0.10mm​ISO 8688-1, ASTM C242​CMM + Profilometer​

Our quality control processes include:​

  • Pre-cut material inspection (checking thickness, flatness, and purity to ensure it meets project requirements).​
  • In-process monitoring (real-time tracking of cutting speed, water pressure, and nozzle alignment via CNC software).​
  • Post-cut inspection (100% of parts are measured; critical parts undergo additional testing, such as stress tests for metal components).​

Documentation (we provide a detailed quality report with every order, including measurement data, inspection results, and compliance with industry standards).

Key Advantages of CNC Water Jet Cutting

Compared to traditional cutting methods (like laser cutting, plasma cutting, or sawing), CNC Water Jet Cutting offers unique benefits that make it ideal for diverse applications. Below are its top advantages:​

  1. Precision Cutting: With tolerances as tight as ±0.05mm, parts fit together seamlessly—reducing assembly time and waste, especially for complex designs.​
  1. Cold Cutting Process: Unlike heat-based methods, it produces no heat during cutting—eliminating the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) (the area of material damaged by heat). This is critical for heat-sensitive materials like titanium, glass, and composites.​
  1. Minimal Heat Affected Zone (HAZ): No HAZ means no warping, cracking, or changes in material properties—ensuring parts retain their original strength and durability.​
  1. Versatility: It cuts almost any material (metals, stone, glass, rubber, composites)—so you can use one service for all your cutting needs, from automotive parts to art sculptures.​
  1. No Tool Wear: The water jet nozzle (made of diamond or ruby) lasts for thousands of cuts, and abrasives are replaceable at low cost—reducing tool replacement expenses compared to saws or drills.​
  1. Environmentally Friendly: It uses water and natural abrasives (like garnet, which is recyclable) — no toxic fumes, slag, or hazardous waste. Water is also recycled in our closed-loop system, reducing consumption by 80%.​

Cost-Effectiveness: Minimal waste (narrow kerf width of 0.1–0.5mm) reduces material costs. No tool changes (one setup works for all materials) and low maintenance also lower labor and operational costs.

Industry Applications

CNC Water Jet Cutting is widely used across industries due to its versatility, precision, and cold cutting advantage. Here are its most common applications:​

Industry​Common Uses​
AerospaceTitanium engine parts, composite wing panels, aluminum structural components (no HAZ ensures part strength)​
AutomotiveCustom body panels, rubber gaskets, glass windows, brass electrical components​
ElectronicsPrecision-cut circuit board substrates (glass/ceramic), plastic casings, metal heat sinks​
ArchitecturalGranite/marble countertops, glass partitions, decorative metal/stone facades, stainless steel railings​
Medical DevicesTitanium implants (biocompatible, no HAZ), stainless steel surgical tools, ceramic insulators​
Industrial ManufacturingHeavy-duty steel components, composite machine parts, rubber seals, plastic packaging molds​
Art and SculptureIntricate stone/metal sculptures, glass art, custom wood (pure water jet avoids burning)​
Glass ProcessingCustom-shaped glass for buildings, electronics, and furniture (clean cuts without cracking)​

For example, in the medical industry, our water-cut titanium implants meet FDA standards for biocompatibility—thanks to the cold cutting process that preserves the metal’s natural properties. In aerospace, our composite cuts help reduce aircraft weight, improving fuel efficiency.

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques

To deliver exceptional results, we use cutting-edge water jet cutting techniques and cutting methods, optimized for different materials and applications. Here are the key ones:​

  • Abrasive Water Jet: This technique mixes water with abrasive particles (garnet is most common) to cut hard materials like metal, stone, and ceramics. The abrasives enhance the water stream’s cutting power, allowing it to slice through 300mm-thick stainless steel efficiently. We adjust abrasive flow rates (5–20 kg/hour) based on material hardness.​
  • Pure Water Jet: Used for soft, delicate materials like rubber, foam, plastic, and thin glass. No abrasives are added—just high-pressure water (30,000–60,000 PSI) to deliver clean, precise cuts without damage.​
  • Nozzle Types: We use two main nozzle types:​
  • Diamond nozzles: For high-precision cuts (e.g., medical devices, electronics) — durable, with a lifespan of 500+ hours.​
  • Ruby nozzles: For general-purpose cutting (e.g., automotive parts, stone) — cost-effective, with a lifespan of 300+ hours.​
  • Pressure Levels: We adjust water pressure based on material:​
  • 30,000–50,000 PSI: Soft materials (rubber, plastic, foam).​
  • 60,000–80,000 PSI: Medium-hard materials (aluminum, brass, glass).​
  • 80,000–90,000 PSI: Hard materials (stainless steel, titanium, granite).​

Cutting Speeds: Speed varies by material thickness and hardness—for example, 10m/min for 10mm aluminum, 2m/min for 50mm stainless steel, and 5m/min for 20mm glass.

Case Studies: Success Stories

Our CNC Water Jet Cutting services have helped clients across industries overcome challenges and achieve their project goals. Below are two successful projects highlighting our expertise:​

Case Study 1: Aerospace Component Manufacturer​

  • Challenge: The client needed 5,000 titanium engine brackets per month—with tight tolerances (±0.10mm) and no HAZ (heat would weaken the titanium). Their previous supplier used laser cutting, which caused warping and failed stress tests.​
  • Solution: We used abrasive water jet cutting (85,000 PSI pressure, garnet abrasives) and optimized the CNC program to minimize nozzle movement. We also added a post-cut deburring step to ensure safe assembly.​
  • Results:​

100% of brackets met the ±0.10mm tolerance and passed stress tests (30% higher strength than the laser-cut parts).​

  • Lead time reduced from 4 weeks (previous supplier) to 2 weeks—helping the client meet their production deadlines.​
  • Material waste dropped from 15% to 4% (thanks to our nesting optimization, which arranges parts to maximize material usage).​
  • Client Testimonial: “The water-jet cut titanium brackets are stronger and more consistent than anything we’ve used before. The fast turnaround has been a game-changer for our production line.” — Mark T., Aerospace Engineering Manager.

Case Study 2: Architectural Firm (Custom Granite Countertops)​

  • Challenge: The firm needed 200 custom-shaped granite countertops for a luxury hotel—each with intricate edge details and a polished finish. The client required all countertops to be identical (for a uniform look) and wanted minimal waste (granite is expensive).​
  • Solution: We used abrasive water jet cutting (70,000 PSI pressure, garnet abrasives) to cut the granite, as it delivers clean edges without chipping. We optimized the cutting layout to nest 4–5 countertops per granite slab (reducing waste) and followed cutting with polishing to achieve the desired high-gloss finish.​
  • Results:​
  • All 200 countertops were identical—matching the design’s intricate edges within ±0.15mm tolerance.​
  • Waste reduced from 20% (traditional sawing) to 6%—saving the client $15,000 in material costs.​
  • Before and After: Raw granite slabs were plain; after cutting and polishing, they became elegant countertops that enhanced the hotel’s luxury aesthetic. The client received the order 5 days ahead of schedule.​
  • Challenge Overcome: Traditional sawing often chips granite edges, requiring costly repairs. Our water jet cutting left smooth edges, eliminating the need for rework.

Why Choose Our CNC Water Jet Cutting Services?

With numerous CNC water jet cutting providers, here’s what makes us the top choice for businesses across industries:​

  • Expertise in Water Jet Cutting: Our team of engineers has 20+ years of specialized experience in CNC Water Jet Cutting—we understand the nuances of cutting different materials (from fragile glass to tough titanium) and can solve complex challenges (e.g., tight tolerances for aerospace parts or intricate designs for art sculptures) that other providers struggle with.​
  • Experience in Various Industries: We’ve served 800+ clients across 15+ industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and architecture. This cross-industry experience means we know the unique requirements of each sector (e.g., FDA compliance for medical parts, ISO standards for aerospace components) and can tailor our services accordingly.​
  • High-Quality Equipment: We invest in state-of-the-art water jet cutting machines (5-axis systems for 3D cutting, high-pressure pumps up to 90,000 PSI) and use premium nozzles (diamond for precision, ruby for durability). Our equipment is calibrated monthly to ensure consistent performance—guaranteeing that every cut meets your specifications.​
  • Excellent Customer Service: Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide design feedback, and update you on your order status. We offer free design consultations (helping you optimize your design for water jet cutting) and free samples (so you can test our quality before committing to a large order).​
  • Fast Turnaround Times: With 12 water jet cutting machines (running 24/7) and optimized production processes, we deliver fast lead times:​
  • Prototypes: 1–3 days​
  • Low-volume orders (1–100 units): 3–7 days​
  • High-volume orders (1000+ units): 7–14 days​

We also offer rush services for urgent projects—with lead times as short as 48 hours (for small orders).​

  • Cost-Effective Solutions: We help you save money in multiple ways:​
  • Nesting optimization reduces material waste by 10–15% compared to competitors.​
  • No tool wear means lower maintenance costs—we pass these savings on to you.​
  • Volume discounts (15% off for orders over 500 units) make high-volume production more affordable.​

Innovative Techniques: We stay ahead of industry trends by adopting innovative water jet cutting techniques, such as 5-axis cutting (for complex 3D shapes) and automated nesting software (for maximum material efficiency). We also regularly test new abrasives and nozzle designs to improve cutting speed and precision.

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