METAL — Every Type
| Material | Max. Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low-carbon steel (S235, ST37) | 200 mm | The most common; ideal for thick work |
| Stainless steel (304, 316) | 180 mm | HAZ-free cutting → corrosion resistance is preserved |
| Aluminium | 300 mm | Fast, with no reflection problem (unlike the laser) |
| Copper | 150 mm | A reflective metal; difficult on a laser, easy on a waterjet |
| Brass | 120 mm | General use, decorative work |
| Titanium | 100 mm | Aerospace, medical — HAZ-free is critical |
| Inconel / Hastelloy | 80 mm | Superalloys — slow because of their hardness |
| Steel plate (HARDOX, etc.) | 150 mm | Hardened steel — the waterjet is the only practical method |
STONE — Natural and Engineered
| Material | Max. Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marble | 150 mm | The principal waterjet application, kitchen countertops |
| Granite | 120 mm | Harder; nozzle wear increases |
| Travertine | 150 mm | Its porous structure calls for care |
| Onyx | 80 mm | Brittle; handle carefully at low pressure |
| Quartzite | 50 mm | Very hard; slow cutting |
| Engineered stone | 100 mm | Quartz, Silestone, Caesarstone and similar |
| Natural stone block | 200 mm | Restoration, architectural applications |
The Marble-Granite Difference
#80 mesh garnet is ideal for marble; granite takes the same mesh but needs 30% more flow (because of its hardness). Cutting speed on granite is around 50% lower.
GLASS AND CERAMIC
- Float glass — straight cutting up to 50 mm, with a low risk of cracking
- Laminated glass — 60 mm, the interlayer (PVB) is cut without difficulty
- Mirror glass — 25 mm, precision work
- Ceramic (porcelain) — 40 mm; hard but brittle
- Glass-ceramic composite — 30 mm; aerospace sector
TEMPERED GLASS IS THE EXCEPTION
Tempered glass CANNOT be cut — internal stress makes the cutting point shatter under shock. Cutting must be done before tempering, with the heat treatment applied afterwards.
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
- Carbon fibre (CFRP) — 50 mm, the laminated structure is no problem
- Glass fibre (GRP/FRP) — 80 mm, marine and automotive
- Aluminium composite panel (ACP, Dibond) — 6-10 mm, façade work
- Kevlar — 30 mm, defence sector
- Sandwich panels (aluminium honeycomb) — 100 mm, aerospace
On composites a laser usually burns the lower layer; the waterjet produces clean work with its cold cut. This is the main reason the waterjet is all but obligatory in the composites sector.
PLASTICS AND POLYMERS
- Acrylic (PMMA) — 100 mm, decoration, signage
- Polycarbonate (PC) — 80 mm, security glazing, guarding
- PVC — 60 mm, construction, plumbing
- Polyester (UPVC, GFRP) — 100 mm
- Polyethylene (HDPE, UHMW) — 200 mm, engineering plastics
- Nylon — 80 mm, machine parts
- PEEK / PTFE — 60 mm, precision medical and aerospace
SOFT MATERIALS (Pure Waterjet)
Pure waterjet — water alone, with no garnet added. Critical for hygienic cutting (food), or to prevent a soft material from being contaminated with garnet.
- Rubber — 80 mm, gasket production
- Foam — 200 mm, packaging
- Leather — 20 layers (laminated cutting), textiles
- Textiles / fabric — 50 layers
- Cardboard — 100 layers, packaging
- Paper — 200 layers, precision printing
FOOD — Hygienic Cutting
Pure waterjet cutting slices food without contamination. Not a blade but a stream of water — a high level of hygiene, with zero risk of bacterial transfer.
- Meat — portioning, slicing; superior to a hygienic blade
- Fish — cutting around bones (CNC programmed)
- Desserts, cakes, pastries — precise line cutting
- Cheese — no melting or compression
- Sandwiches — sliced whole
- Frozen food — a special application
MATERIALS THAT CANNOT BE CUT
- Tempered glass — internal stress leads to shattering
- Incandescent soft metals (lithium, sodium) — they react with water
- Liquids and gases — meaningless
- Explosive material — safety
- Very high carbon castings (>4% C) — brittleness
- A risk of micro-cracking in some ceramics
A Practical Suggestion — Test Strategy for a New Material
- Start with a small sample (10×10 cm)
- Test from low to high pressure (3,000 → 4,000 → 5,500 bar)
- Try different cutting speeds (quality versus output)
- Check the surface quality with a magnifier
- Determine the optimum parameters for production
- Consult your supplier (USEL Service) — experience from other customers is shared