Modern manufacturing offers a range of cutting technologies, each designed for precision, speed, and versatility. Two of the most widely used methods are laser cutting and waterjet cutting.
While both deliver high accuracy, they operate very differently — and each has unique advantages depending on your material and project goals.
At Lindsay Machine Works, we specialize in advanced cutting solutions, including CNC waterjet and laser cutting, so we know how important it is to choose the right process. Here are five key points that set laser cutters and waterjets apart.
Cutting Method and Process 
The biggest difference lies in how each tool cuts.
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Laser Cutting:
Uses a focused beam of light to melt, burn, or vaporize material. It’s a thermal cutting process, which means heat is involved.
Laser cutters are great for thin metals and detailed patterns requiring fine, clean lines. -
Waterjet Cutting:
Uses a high-pressure stream of water, sometimes mixed with an abrasive, to erode material. This is a cold-cutting process, so it doesn’t create heat-affected zones (HAZ) or distort the material.
Key Takeaway:
If your project involves heat-sensitive materials, waterjet cutting is the safer choice. For thin, precise cuts in metal or acrylic, lasers work beautifully.
Material Versatility
When it comes to the variety of materials they can cut, waterjets take the lead.
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Laser Cutters:
Best for metals (like steel and aluminum), wood, plastics, and thin composites.
However, they can struggle with reflective materials such as copper or brass. -
Waterjets:
Can cut almost anything — metals, stone, glass, rubber, composites, and even ceramics.
Since no heat is involved, delicate materials won’t burn, melt, or warp.
Key Takeaway:
For mixed-material projects or thick materials, waterjet cutting offers more flexibility.
Precision and Edge Finish 
Both cutting methods produce precise results, but their edge quality differs slightly.
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Laser Cutting:
Creates very fine cuts with minimal kerf (cut width). Ideal for intricate designs, lettering, or detailed components.
However, the edges may show slight discoloration or melting, depending on the material. -
Waterjet Cutting:
Provides smooth, clean edges with no thermal marks. It often eliminates the need for post-processing or finishing.
Key Takeaway:
If visual perfection and a smooth edge are priorities, waterjet cutting is hard to beat.
Speed and Efficiency
In terms of speed, laser cutters generally win — especially for thin materials.
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Laser Cutting:
Fast and efficient for sheet metal and smaller components. The focused laser beam moves quickly and produces clean cuts at high speed. -
Waterjet Cutting:
Slower because it physically erodes material rather than burning through it. However, its slower pace ensures accuracy and preserves material integrity.
Key Takeaway:
If speed and high-volume production matter, laser cutting might be the better fit. For thicker or varied materials, waterjet cutting delivers more control and consistency.
Cost and Applications
Finally, let’s talk about cost and when to use each method.
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Laser Cutting:
Usually more cost-effective for thin materials and high-volume runs. The operating costs are lower since it doesn’t require abrasives. -
Waterjet Cutting:
Slightly more expensive due to abrasive materials and slower cutting speeds, but it compensates with unmatched versatility and no thermal distortion.
Key Takeaway:
Choose laser cutting for speed and efficiency in thin metals, and waterjet cutting for thicker, heat-sensitive, or mixed-material projects.
Choosing the Right Process with Lindsay Machine Works
At Lindsay Machine Works, we understand that every project is unique. That’s why we offer both laser and waterjet cutting services, giving our clients the flexibility to choose the best option for their material, budget, and design.
Whether you’re working with delicate plastics, thick metals, or custom components, our team can help determine the right process for your needs — ensuring precision, quality, and reliability every time.
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