Question 1

What is the thickest material a waterjet can cut?

Accepted Answer

On industrial machines, 200-300 mm depending on the material. A standard 5-axis waterjet cuts 100-150 mm comfortably. For thicker material the pump pressure and the nozzle length are increased and the cutting speed falls.

Question 2

Is waterjet a cold cutting process? Does the material heat up?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is cold cutting. The temperature of the cut surface does not rise above 60°C; no HAZ (heat-affected zone) forms in steel and the microstructure of the material is preserved. This is a critical advantage for sensitive alloys.

Question 3

How much abrasive (garnet) is consumed?

Accepted Answer

In standard cutting, 0.3-0.5 kg/min. Monthly consumption is between 500 and 2000 kg depending on how intensively the machine is worked. Because garnet is a natural mineral it is preferred on both economic and environmental grounds.

Question 4

How high is the accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Standard ±0.1 mm, and ±0.05 mm on advanced machines. Repeatability is ±0.03-0.05 mm. Cut quality is divided into five classes: Q1 (rough) → Q5 (mirror quality) — inversely proportional to speed.

Question 5

Compared with a laser, which one is faster?

Accepted Answer

On thin sheet (≤6 mm) the laser is 3-5 times faster. Above 10 mm the waterjet joins the race; above 25 mm the waterjet is far more practical. A laser is limited in the materials it handles, whereas a waterjet cuts everything.

Question 6

Are maintenance costs high?

Accepted Answer

The pump seals are replaced periodically (annually) and the nozzle is replaced after 50-200 hours of use depending on the orifice. A detailed maintenance list is set out in the USEL Care maintenance documentation.

Question 7

Where does the water come from, and where does it go after use?

Accepted Answer

Mains water is passed through an RO or softening unit (critical for pump life). After the cut, the water collects in the tank; the garnet sediment is discharged and disposed of as waste, while the water can be reused under pH and TDS control.

Question 8

Which USEL waterjet model suits me?

Accepted Answer

For 3-axis straight cutting, the STORMA PRECISEWJ3 (max 4000 mm × 2000 mm); for 5-axis 3D, chamfer and V-cut work, the PRECISEWJ5; for small workshops, the Compact Waterjet (1000 × 1000 mm). See the /en/products page for a detailed selection guide.

Question 9

Which is more advantageous in cost terms?

Accepted Answer

Investment and running costs vary with pump capacity, laser power, material type and production volume. The general tendency: on thin sheet the laser is operationally advantageous, while on thick work and mixed materials the waterjet provides production flexibility. For a clear comparison we recommend obtaining two quotations based on the same sample job.

Question 10

Can a waterjet be as accurate as a laser?

Accepted Answer

A standard waterjet gives ±0.1 mm, and ±0.05 mm under the best conditions. A laser gives ±0.02-0.05 mm. For most industrial applications the difference is not functionally significant; for the electronics and watchmaking industries, however, the laser is still preferred.

Question 11

Which one for a marble kitchen countertop?

Accepted Answer

The waterjet — without question. A laser cracks marble with heat and cannot cut granite at all. The waterjet is the industry standard for stone processing.

Question 12

Which one for composite panel (aluminium composite, carbon fibre)?

Accepted Answer

The waterjet. In most composite panels the lower layer melts or burns under laser heat; the waterjet produces clean work with a cold cut.

Question 13

Which one for cutting thin stainless steel?

Accepted Answer

If you are going to process thin stainless steel (≤4 mm) in high volumes, a fibre laser is faster. For low volumes or thick stainless steel, the waterjet.

Question 14

Which one is safer?

Accepted Answer

Both are safe with a trained operator. The waterjet carries a UHP (lethal pressure) risk — no intervention is permitted until the pump line has been bled. The laser carries beam reflection and fume risks — an enclosure plus extraction is essential.

Question 15

What does plasma cut besides steel?

Accepted Answer

Electrically conductive metals only — stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass and (to a limited extent) titanium. Wood, plastic, glass, stone and composites cannot be cut, because they do not conduct current.

Question 16

Is a plasma investment more affordable than a waterjet?

Accepted Answer

Typically yes — because there is no UHP pump or water conditioning system, the scope of the investment is smaller. But the operating cost comparison depends on the type and volume of work in the workshop.

Question 17

How wide is the HAZ in plasma cutting?

Accepted Answer

1-3 mm — visible to the eye, with microstructural disturbance. Not a problem in most structural work; unacceptable on sensitive alloys (aerospace, medical). It can be corrected afterwards by annealing or milling, but at additional cost.

Question 18

Which one is safer?

Accepted Answer

Both are safe with a trained operator. Plasma — there are sparks, UV radiation and high temperature risks (PPE: face shield + welding goggles + flame-retardant overalls). Waterjet — UHP pressure and splash-back risks.

Question 19

Is plasma environmentally friendly?

Accepted Answer

Less so than a waterjet — it produces fumes, NOx and ozone. If an enclosed workshop is required, a fume extraction system is essential. It can be run in an open workshop, but operator and environmental exposure must be carefully managed.

Question 20

Does a company doing plasma cutting compete with USEL?

Accepted Answer

Different segments. Plasma is widespread in thick steel and the construction sector. USEL is waterjet and CNC bridge saw — focused on stone, composites, sensitive alloys and kitchen countertops. The two technologies are usually complementary rather than competitive.

Question 21

Does a hybrid (waterjet + plasma) workshop make sense?

Accepted Answer

For large workshops handling steel fabrication plus decorative metalwork, yes. Plasma for thick rough cutting, waterjet for precision finishing and mixed materials. The two come from different suppliers, so integration needs planning.

Question 22

Can 300 mm thickness really be cut?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 300 mm in aluminium and 200 mm in steel are the practical limits. But it is very slow and consumes a great deal of garnet. Work above 100 mm is economical for a waterjet and impossible for a laser.

Question 23

Which material gives the highest accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Thin sheet (1-3 mm) stainless steel or aluminium — ±0.03 mm repeatability. But a laser is faster at that thickness. The waterjet advantage lies in thick work and varied materials.

Question 24

Can rusted steel be cut?

Accepted Answer

No problem — the waterjet is unaffected by surface quality. Paint, coating, oxide — all are fine. It does not require a clean surface as a laser does.

Question 25

Is carbon fibre cutting certified?

Accepted Answer

For aerospace and automotive, waterjet cutting is an AS9100-certified process. There is no fibre breakout in the laminated structure and, thanks to the cold cut, the resin does not melt.

Question 26

Which machine is most suitable for cutting marble?

Accepted Answer

The STORMA 4 for 4-axis straight cutting. The 5-Axis Bridge Type for 5-axis chamfering, V-cut and 3D machining. Visit the /en/products page for details.

Question 27

I work thick metal — does the pump pressure need to be high?

Accepted Answer

A 5,500-6,000 bar premium pump is critical for thick work above 200 mm. Machines at 4,000 bar have a practical limit of 100 mm. The investment decision is made according to material and thickness.

Question 28

How many parts make up a cutting head?

Accepted Answer

A standard abrasive head: orifice + mixing chamber + focusing tube + garnet inlet channel + UHP connection + guard cap = 6-7 main parts. Each is sold as a separate spare part.

Question 29

Can a diamond orifice break?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you drop it or apply pressure while the cutting point is blocked (choked). In normal use it works for years without trouble. Never allow a pressure cycle with back pressure.

Question 30

Does the brand of garnet matter?

Accepted Answer

Very much. Garnet of Indian, Australian or Turkish origin has a different hardness and grain distribution. Poor quality garnet cuts tube life by 50%. Choose an ISO 9001-certified supplier.

Question 31

How often is the mixing chamber cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Once a week — it is dismantled, the remaining garnet is cleaned out and the seals are checked. Detailed list: the USEL Care waterjet weekly maintenance card.

Question 32

What happens if the focusing tube blocks?

Accepted Answer

The cut stalls, the pressure rises suddenly and leaks begin. The machine must be stopped at once, the focusing tube removed and cleaned with compressed air from the opposite direction. If it still will not clear, it is replaced.

Question 33

Which USEL waterjet model comes with a standard cutting head?

Accepted Answer

All USEL waterjet models (3-axis, 5-axis, compact) have an IGEMS-compatible standard connection plus spare parts compatible with Aqualon/IDE/KMT. Details on the /en/products page.

Question 34

Can I just buy the cheapest garnet?

Accepted Answer

A saving in the short term, a loss in the long term. Low-quality garnet: high grain breakdown, poor cut quality, and 30-50% less life from the focusing tube. It works out expensive in total cost.

Question 35

Can I mix meshes?

Accepted Answer

In practice, no — different meshes give different cutting speeds and the quality fluctuates. If the type of work changes, change the hopper rather than mixing.

Question 36

Is it true that reclaimed garnet is never as good as new?

Accepted Answer

It is — reclaimed garnet performs at 70-80% of new. A mix of 30-50% new and 50-70% reclaimed is optimum. Working with 100% reclaimed garnet is not viable; quality drops by 30%.

Question 37

Is garnet needed for pure waterjet work (food, plastic)?

Accepted Answer

No — a pure waterjet uses no abrasive. Water alone is enough for soft materials (food, plastic, rubber, leather). Garnet is only for hard materials.

Question 38

Are there local garnet producers in Türkiye?

Accepted Answer

There are a few companies, but the great majority is imported from India. Local quality is inconsistent, so it must always be bought on the basis of sample testing. An annual visit to the supplier is advisable.

Question 39

How do we dispose of waste garnet?

Accepted Answer

It is environmentally benign — it can be sent to landfill, or sold to the cement industry as an aggregate. In Türkiye it falls under the "non-hazardous waste" class. The waste declaration is annual.

Question 40

If the mains water quality is good, is filtration still needed?

Accepted Answer

Yes — "good" here means the drinking-water standard. The UHP pump standard is a different and far more demanding one. Even city mains water calls for a 5 µm filter.

Question 41

Will my pump warranty lapse if I do not filter?

Accepted Answer

Most manufacturers require "suitable water quality" as a condition of the warranty — TDS readings and filter replacement records are requested. Warranty claims for water-related damage can be refused.

Question 42

What do I do with the waste water from an RO system?

Accepted Answer

RO produces waste at a ratio of roughly 3:1 (3 L of water → 1 L of RO water). The waste water can be used for washing or watering the garden, or discharged to the sewer. Some systems offer a "waste reclamation" feature.

Question 43

How often should I measure water conductivity?

Accepted Answer

Weekly is ideal. A portable TDS meter takes a 30-second reading. If high conductivity is detected, it means the softening unit resin is due for renewal.

Question 44

Can I build a single central system?

Accepted Answer

Yes — one water treatment system can feed several machines. When sizing it, take total water consumption into account: 3 machines × 30 L/hour = 90 L/hour continuously, and the system capacity is sized accordingly.

Question 45

Where should I follow filtration maintenance?

Accepted Answer

The periodic filtration maintenance list is set out in detail in the weekly, monthly and annual waterjet sections of the USEL Care maintenance documentation. Water quality is also recorded as part of pump servicing.

Question 46

Does the water not get into the food?

Accepted Answer

In pure waterjet cutting the water jet passes through the food, but it is a cutter rather than a "piercer". The affected area is 0.1-0.3 mm. The quantity of water is very small and does not affect the structure of the food. There is in fact less "water contact" than with blade cutting.

Question 47

Which waterjet model is suitable for food?

Accepted Answer

The food sector needs purpose-built 'food-grade' waterjet machines — a pure waterjet model (without the garnet system), stainless steel on every surface, an integrated CIP (Clean-in-Place) wash system and a HACCP/BRC certified design. This segment is built by specialist manufacturer groups (such as Knife/Jet, Hyplex and Flow Food). The USEL product range is focused on industrial cutting; it does not offer a food line.

Question 48

How is bone avoided?

Accepted Answer

Machine vision plus the CNC programme — a camera detects the bone and the system shifts the jet a few mm to one side. On modern systems this works in real time.

Question 49

Is water consumption sustainable for a food line?

Accepted Answer

Water consumption of 8-15 L/hour is low on the scale of an industrial line. The outgoing water goes to the sewer after filtration and treatment, or is reused through reclamation systems.

Question 50

Is it compatible with the cold chain?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a stainless steel cabinet and cold air circulation are standard. Meat and fish producers run it without trouble in a 0-4°C environment.

Question 51

What is the food processing waterjet market like in Türkiye?

Accepted Answer

Food processing waterjet applications are still at an early stage in Türkiye. In Europe, large meat and food producers use them widely; in Türkiye, integrated meat plants and export-focused businesses have begun to consider the technology. This article has been prepared as general information.

Question 52

Is an IGEMS licence expensive?

Accepted Answer

IGEMS is premium software and carries an annual licence fee. It should be taken into account in investment planning. An alternative: Contranest comes included with the USEL Compact.

Question 53

Which software is compatible with USEL?

Accepted Answer

IGEMS — standard support on the USEL 5-axis Waterjet. Contranest — the standard software of the USEL Compact Waterjet. For other software, integration can be arranged with the technical service team.

Question 54

Should the CAM operator be a separate person?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the size of the workshop. In a small workshop the CNC operator both does the CAM and runs the machine. In a large workshop there is a separate CAM draughtsman (feeding programmes to the machine through the day).

Question 55

Is 3D modelling essential?

Accepted Answer

For flat 2D cutting a 2D drawing in CAD is enough (DXF). For 3D chamfer, V-cut or 5-axis work a 3D model is needed. In CAM a 2D model can be opened up to the 5-axis method.

Question 56

Is nesting software sold separately?

Accepted Answer

It is included in IGEMS. In some packages it is sold as an extra module. Nesting is practised hands-on in the USEL Academy training.

Question 57

Are CAM updates mandatory?

Accepted Answer

An annual update is useful — new features plus bug fixes plus machine firmware compatibility. A licence plus an annual maintenance contract is standard.

Question 58

Q3 or Q4 for my standard work?

Accepted Answer

For general industrial work Q3 is the standard. A kitchen countertop needs polishing after cutting, so Q3 is enough. If the customer is going to use the product directly (an architectural panel), Q4 is recommended.

Question 59

Do I have to go to Q5?

Accepted Answer

Only for very specific applications (jewellery, optics, art). It is excessive for kitchen countertop cutting — polishing will follow anyway. Q5 means high cost and long times.

Question 60

How is the quality set in CAM?

Accepted Answer

In IGEMS the "Cut Quality" parameter is chosen from 1 to 5. The software calculates the speed and pressure automatically according to the material and thickness. The operator can also set it manually.

Question 61

Which quality suits thick work?

Accepted Answer

In thick material (>50 mm) achieving Q5 is very slow and expensive — the bottom edge comes out wavy in any case. Q3-Q4 is the practical upper limit. If aesthetics are needed, the work is machined after cutting.

Question 62

Is pierce quality different from cut quality?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the pierce is always low quality (a coarse entry). That is why the pierce point is placed in a corner that will not be seen. After the pierce the cutting speed rises and quality returns to normal.

Question 63

Which USEL model suits signage?

Accepted Answer

Most signage is mid-sized (1-3 m²) — a 3-axis waterjet is enough (the USEL PRECISEWJ3). The 5-axis advantage is for chamfered and V-cut signage edges (a 3D effect on thick metal signage). Details on the /en/products page.

Question 64

Laser or waterjet for signage?

Accepted Answer

For signage in metal and acrylic alone, a fibre laser is fast and suitable. For mixed materials, composite panels and thick metal, a waterjet is the only practical solution. It depends on the type of sign-making workshop.

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