Waterjet Technology Guide | How Waterjet Cutting Works

Waterjet cutting is one of the most precise and versatile industrial cutting technologies used today. It uses an ultra-high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with abrasive materials, to cut through metals, stone, glass, composites, and many other materials with exceptional accuracy.

Unlike thermal cutting technologies such as laser or plasma, waterjet cutting is acold cutting process . This means it does not generate heat-affected zones, preserving the structural integrity of the material.

At Fedjet , we specialize in advanced waterjet cutting solutions that combine ultra-high pressure pump technology with precision motion control systems, enabling manufacturers to achieve highly accurate cuts while minimizing material waste.

What Is Waterjet Cutting?

Waterjet cutting is a manufacturing process that useshigh-pressure water (typically 30,000–90,000 PSI / 2000–6200 bar)to cut materials.
For harder materials such as steel, titanium, granite, or ceramics, abrasive particles (usually garnet) are added to the water stream to increase cutting power.

Best Waterjet Cutting Machine Manufacturer in China | Fedjet Water Jet Cutting Machine for Sale

Key characteristics of waterjet cutting include

• Cold cutting process with no heat distortion
• Extremely high cutting precision
• Ability to cut complex shapes
• Compatible with a wide range of materials
• Minimal material waste and high efficiency

Waterjet cutting is widely used in industries such as:

• Aerospace manufacturing
• Automotive production
• Metal fabrication
• Stone and tile processing
• Electronics manufacturing
• Architectural materials

How Waterjet Cutting Works

A waterjet cutting system consists of several key components working together to generate and control an ultra-high-pressure cutting stream.

1. High Pressure Pump

The pump pressurizes water to extremely high levels, typically between40,000 and 60,000 PSI . This pressure is the core power source of the waterjet cutting process.

2. High Pressure Tubing

Specialized tubing delivers the pressurized water from the pump to the cutting head while maintaining consistent pressure and flow.

3. Cutting Head & Nozzle

The cutting head focuses the high-pressure water through a small orifice, creating a concentrated jet capable of cutting materials with high precision.

4. Abrasive Delivery System

For abrasive waterjet cutting, garnet abrasive is added to the water stream, dramatically increasing cutting capability.

5. CNC Motion System

Modern waterjet machines are controlled by CNC systems that guide the cutting head along programmed toolpaths to produce complex shapes and patterns.

This combination of pressure, velocity, and precision control allows waterjet machines to cut materials that are difficult or impossible to process using traditional cutting methods.

Abrasive Waterjet vs Pure Waterjet

Waterjet cutting systems can be divided into two main categories depending on the materials being processed.

Pure Waterjet Cutting

Pure waterjet cutting uses only high-pressure water without abrasive particles.
Typical applications include:
• Rubber
• Foam
• Food products
• Textiles
• Plastic films
• Paper products
Pure waterjet cutting is commonly used in industries whereclean and precise cutting of soft materialsis required.

Abrasive Waterjet Cutting

Abrasive waterjet cutting mixes garnet abrasive into the high-pressure water stream to significantly increase cutting capability.
This method can cut extremely hard materials such as:
• Steel
• Stainless steel
• Aluminum
• Titanium
• Glass
• Stone
• Ceramics
• Carbon fiber
• Composite materials
Abrasive waterjet cutting is themost widely used waterjet technology in industrial manufacturing .

Manufacturers often compare waterjet cutting with other industrial cutting technologies. Each method has its own advantages depending on the material and application.

Waterjet vs Laser vs Plasma Cutting

Waterjet Cutting

Advantages
• No heat affected zone
• No material hardening or warping
• Capable of cutting thick materials
• Works on nearly all materials
Best for:
• High precision cutting
• Heat-sensitive materials
• Thick metals and composites

Laser Cutting

Advantages
• Extremely high speed for thin materials
• Very precise for sheet metal Limitations
• Heat affected zone
• Limited thickness capability
• Material restrictions
Best for:
• Thin sheet metal
• High-speed production

Plasma Cutting

Advantages
• Fast cutting speed for thick conductive metals
• Lower equipment cost Limitations
• Lower precision
• Larger kerf width
• Heat distortion
Best for:
• Heavy steel fabrication

Pump Pressure & Cutting Capability

Pump pressure plays a crucial role in determining waterjet cutting performance.
Higher pressure generally leads to:
• Faster cutting speeds
• Increased cutting power
• Improved edge quality
• Reduced taper angle

Typical Industrial Pressure Levels
30,000 PSI Entry-level cutting applications
40,000 60,000 PSI Standard industrial cutting
60,000 90,000 PSI High-performance precision cutting

Fedjet waterjet systems are engineered to deliverstable ultra-high-pressure output , ensuring reliable performance for demanding industrial environments.

Fedjet Waterjet Solution

Why Industrial Manufacturers Choose Fedjet Waterjet Technology

Fedjet provides professional waterjet cutting solutions designed for manufacturers worldwide.
Our systems are engineered with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and precision.
Key Technology Advantages
• Advanced ultra-high-pressure pump design
• Precision CNC motion control systems
• Stable abrasive delivery technology
• High cutting accuracy and efficiency
• Durable components for long service life
• Professional global technical support
With extensive engineering experience in waterjet technology, Fedjet helps manufacturers improve production efficiency while maintaining exceptional cutting quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the Most Common Questions About Industrial Waterjet Technology

What materials can waterjet cutting process?

Waterjet cutting can process a wide range of materials including metals, glass, stone, ceramics, plastics, composites, rubber, and foam. Abrasive waterjet systems are especially effective for cutting hard materials such as steel and granite.

Does waterjet cutting generate heat?

No. Waterjet cutting is a cold cutting process and does not create a heat-affected zone. This helps preserve the mechanical properties and structural integrity of the material.

How thick can a waterjet cut?

Depending on pump pressure and material type, abrasive waterjet systems can cut metals over 150 mm thick while maintaining good edge quality.

Is waterjet cutting environmentally friendly?

Yes. Waterjet cutting produces minimal dust and does not generate toxic fumes or thermal distortion, making it a cleaner manufacturing process compared with many thermal cutting technologies.

Learn More About Fedjet Waterjet Solutions

Fedjet provides advanced waterjet cutting equipment and engineering support for manufacturers around the world.
If you want to learn more about selecting the right waterjet system for your application, our engineers are ready to help.
Contact the Fedjet team today for professional waterjet cutting solutions.

Contact Waterjet Experts

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Catalog: Waterjet Machine; Intensifier Pump; Systems; Cutting Head

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