Question 1

What is water jet cutting?

Accepted Answer

Water jet cutting is a manufacturing process that uses a high-pressure stream of water — often mixed with abrasive garnet — to cut a wide variety of materials with extreme precision and no heat-affected zone.

Question 2

What materials can a water jet cut?

Accepted Answer

Almost anything: steel, aluminum, copper, brass, titanium, plastics, composites, stone, glass, ceramic, rubber, foam, wood and more — up to 4" thick.

Question 3

How accurate is water jet cutting?

Accepted Answer

Standard tolerance is ±0.005". Tighter tolerances are achievable depending on material thickness and geometry.

Question 4

Does water jet cutting create heat or burn marks?

Accepted Answer

No. Water jet is a cold-cutting process, so there is no heat-affected zone, no warping, and no discoloration on the cut edge.

Question 5

What's the thickest material you can cut?

Accepted Answer

We can cut materials up to 4 inches thick. Cut speed and edge quality vary with thickness and material type.

Question 6

Do I need to supply a CAD or DXF file?

Accepted Answer

A DXF or SVG file gets you the fastest, most accurate quote. We also accept DWG, STEP, IGES, and PDF — and our team can help convert sketches into CAD.

Question 7

Is water jet cutting environmentally friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The process uses water and natural garnet abrasive, produces no hazardous fumes or toxic byproducts, and the garnet is fully recyclable.

Question 8

How much does water jet cutting cost?

Accepted Answer

Cost depends on material, thickness, cut length, and quantity. Use our Get Estimate form to receive pricing.

Question 9

Can I request a single prototype or small batch?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We handle one-off prototypes, small batches, and full production runs.

Question 10

How long does it take to complete an order?

Accepted Answer

Most jobs ship within 3–5 business days. Rush service is available for time-sensitive projects.

Water Jet Cutting FAQ

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