How Does a Waterjet Work? Understanding Precision Cutting

When it comes to precision cutting, few tools are as versatile and impressive as a waterjet cutter. At Lindsay Machine Works, we use advanced waterjet technology to cut through a wide variety of materials — from metal and stone to plastics and composites — all with remarkable accuracy and no heat distortion. But how exactly does a waterjet work? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Waterjet Cutter?

A waterjet cutter is a machine that uses a powerful stream of water — most often mixed with an abrasive material — to slice through materials. The process relies on extremely high water pressure, often exceeding 60,000 psi, to make precise, clean cuts.

Because waterjet cutting is a cold-cutting process, it doesn’t generate heat. This means there’s no risk of warping, burning, or altering the material’s structure, which is especially important for metals and heat-sensitive materials.

The Waterjet Cutting Process: Step by Step

Here’s how waterjet cutting works in simple terms:

• Pressurizing the Water
  A high-pressure pump increases the water pressure to tens of thousands of pounds per square inch (psi).
• Creating the Cutting Stream
  The pressurized water travels through specialized tubing and exits through a precision nozzle, often tipped with sapphire, ruby, or diamond to withstand extreme force.
• Adding Abrasive Material (if needed)
  For cutting tougher materials like steel or granite, fine particles of abrasive (usually garnet) are added to the water stream. This creates an abrasive waterjet that erodes the material efficiently.
• CNC-Controlled Cutting
  A computer-controlled (CNC) system directs the nozzle with incredible precision, following digital designs to cut complex shapes, patterns, or parts with tight tolerances.

In short: High pressure + focused water + abrasive + CNC control = clean, precise cuts.

Types of Waterjet Cutting

There are two main types of waterjet cutting used in manufacturing:

• Pure Waterjet Cutting – Uses only water; ideal for soft materials like rubber, foam, or plastics.

• Abrasive Waterjet Cutting – Mixes water with abrasive particles; used for cutting metals, ceramics, glass, and other hard materials.

At Lindsay Machine Works, our abrasive waterjet technology allows us to handle both delicate and demanding projects with precision.

What Materials Can Be Cut with a Waterjet?

One of the biggest advantages of waterjet cutting is its versatility. It can cut through almost any material, including:

• Steel, stainless steel, and aluminum

• Titanium and other alloys

• Plastics and composites

• Rubber and foam

• Stone, tile, and glass

• Brass, copper, and bronze

Whether you need a prototype, one-off component, or production run, waterjet cutting offers a clean, accurate solution without thermal distortion.

Advantages of Waterjet Cutting

Here’s why many manufacturers — including Lindsay Machine Works — rely on waterjet cutting:

• No Heat-Affected Zones (HAZ): The cold-cutting process prevents warping or hardening.

• Tight Tolerances: Achieve high precision and clean edges with minimal finishing.

• Versatility: Works on virtually any material.

• Environmentally Friendly: Uses water and natural abrasives, with minimal waste.

• No Tool Wear: The waterjet doesn’t dull or need replacement like blades or drills.

These benefits make waterjet cutting ideal for industries like aerospace, automotive, construction, and manufacturing — wherever precision and quality matter most.