What is the difference between laser cutting and waterjet cutting?
Quick answer: Laser cutting favors fast, clean work on thinner materials, while a waterjet handles a wider range of thick or heat-sensitive materials.
Laser cutting favors fast, clean work on thinner materials, while a waterjet handles a wider range of thick or heat-sensitive materials.
- A laser uses focused heat to cut sheet metal, acrylic, and similar materials.
- A waterjet uses high-pressure water mixed with abrasive.
- Waterjets can cut thick steel, stone, and many other materials.
- Choose a waterjet when heat damage is a concern.
Good to know: Material, thickness, edge quality, speed, heat effects, and cost all influence the best process.
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