A water jet cutting machine cuts profiles with a jet of water at several thousand bar, usually mixed with garnet abrasive. A CNC gantry moves the cutting head over a water-filled tank. It cuts metals, stone, glass, rubber and plastics without heat, from thin sheet to thick plate.
Quick facts
- Main types
- Abrasive water jet; pure water jet (soft materials)
- Pump
- Intensifier or direct-drive, about 3,500–6,000 bar
- Table sizes
- About 1.5×1.5 m to 4×2 m and larger
- Cutting thickness
- Up to about 150–200 mm (5.91–7.87 inch) in steel
- Accuracy
- About ±0.1 mm (±0.0039 inch) positioning; edge taper adds error
- Running costs
- Garnet, pump seals, nozzles and power
Main parts
- High-pressure pump (intensifier) that pressurises the water
- Cutting head with a jewel orifice and a mixing tube (nozzle)
- Abrasive hopper and feed system for garnet
- CNC gantry and controller that read DXF profiles
- Catcher tank full of water under the work
- Optional 5-axis head that tilts to remove edge taper
Advantages and limits
| Advantages | Limits |
|---|---|
| Cuts almost any material | Slower than laser on thin steel |
| No heat, no hardened or burnt edge | Edge taper and striations on thick cuts |
| Thick plates in one pass | Garnet and nozzle wear cost money |
| No tool change between materials | Parts get wet; steel may need drying |
Good to know
- Cutting speed falls sharply as thickness grows
- A 5-axis head can cut bevels and correct taper
- Fine-edge cuts are much slower than rough separation cuts
- Pure water jets cut rubber, foam, gaskets and food without abrasive
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Questions
- What pressure does a water jet use?
- Most industrial machines run at about 3,500–4,000 bar; high-end pumps reach about 6,000 bar for faster cutting.
- What is garnet used for in water jet cutting?
- Garnet is a hard natural sand mixed into the jet. The water speeds the garnet up and the garnet does the cutting in metal, stone and glass.
- Water jet or laser cutting machine?
- Laser is much faster and cheaper per part on thin metal sheet. Water jet wins on thick plate, mixed materials, heat-sensitive parts and non-metals such as stone and glass.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 18 October 2026.