Waterjet vs Laser Cutting — Which Process Fits Your Part?
Side-by-Side Spec Matrix
| Parameter | Waterjet | Laser | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max shop thickness | 12 in. steel | 1 in. mild • ⅜ in. SS/Al | Part thickness ceiling |
| Heat-affected zone (HAZ) | None | 0.010–0.020 in. strip | Metallurgy / post-weld behavior |
| Typical tolerance | ±0.005 in. | ±0.002–0.003 in. | Fit-up & assembly |
| Speed on 11-ga steel | Moderate | Very high | Lead-time & unit cost |
| Materials | Nearly any solid | Conductive metals only | Versatility |
| Unit cost on thin sheet | Higher | Lower | Budget |
The laser HAZ is a narrow band of micro-structural change; on most sheet parts it’s negligible.
How to Read the Numbers
- Thickness values are in-house maxima.
- Tolerances shown are typical; tighter values may be quoted when geometry allows.
- Speed is relative ranking on 11-ga HRPO steel.
Quick Decision Tips
Think Laser when…
≤ ⅜ in. sheet parts need fast turns, tight nesting, and are ready for forming/welding same day.
Think Waterjet when…
Parts are thick, exotic, heat-sensitive, or non-metallic (hardened steels, titanium, Inconel®, glass/composites).
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