From our very beginning of Precision Machining & Fab, precision waterjet cutting has been a central part of many of our products. As we have grown, Precision Machining & Fab has invested in the best technology in waterjet cutting systems. With nine individual systems, we can respond to production demands as small as a single prototype, while also working on projects that continue for many months and are large in volume.

These meticulous waterjet cutting systems give us unparalleled versatility. They can cut materials as thin as 0.001”, up to thicknesses at 12” and they work within an envelope ranging from 0.06” to 160” in width and 0.06” to 320” in length. With these systems, we can create edge finishes in the one to five range, while maintaining tolerances a close as ±0.005”.

The efficiency of our machines is remarkable as well, with a pressure of 5,000 to 92,000 PSI, enabling them to cut at speeds as high as 600” per minute, depending on the thickness and type of material. The waterjet cutting machines are so meticulously automated that they can run with lights out. They reduce scrap waste with kerf widths that are as small as 0.005”. Our machines along with our advanced nesting software allow us to maximize material usage, lowering overall costs.

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Waterjet Cutting.

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For harder materials, we use abrasive waterjet machines that work with pieces as large as 120” by 300”. These machines can cut through materials as thick as 10”.

At Precision Machining & Fab, we are one of the few facilities worldwide with a double-head machine. We are the only manufacturer in California who offers the new Dynamic Waterjet technology, which practically eliminates taper with state-of-the-art 5-axis cutting heads that are computer controlled. Contact us directly for more information about the benefits of Dynamic Waterjet technology

Materials Cut

Waterjet cutting works well on a wide variety of materials. Some examples of these are:

  • Composites (reinforced plastics)
  • Metals
  • Metal alloys
  • Glass
  • Stone
  • Concrete
  • Rubber

In fact, it’s effective at cutting just about anything, with the exception of extremely hard ceramics and tempered glass.

When working with materials that are softer, such as textiles, rubber, foam, or food, non-abrasive waterjet cutting is used. In this method, water is forced through a diamond, sapphire, or ruby opening at ultra-high pressure. This creates a cutting stream that moves at over twice the speed of sound, giving very high cutting rates. For harder materials, abrasive waterjet cutting uses a mixing chamber to combine water and an abrasive into a high power cutting stream.

This gives extreme versatility in cutting ability. Waterjet cutting can be used to cut glass into window panels, optic lenses, or even art installations. It is common in the food industry, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination that is inherent in blades.

Industries Served

This precise and efficient cutting method is frequently used throughout many different industries, such as:

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Oil & Gas
  • Energy
  • Agriculture
  • Transportation
  • Artwork
  • Architecture

Benefits of Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet cutting works in ways that heat or friction based methods simply cannot. It significantly reduces part stress, and because it doesn’t heat the material, it eliminates thermal distortion and hardening that you see with flame cutting. In this way, it produces clean edges that need very little or even no secondary finishing work.

As a cold cutting process, waterjet cutting prevents interfering with the material’s structure, so metals can be cut without altering their properties. It also has minimal kerf, which reduces waste. The smooth edges waterjet cutting creates lower the need for secondary finishing. Its speed is five to 10 times faster than electrical discharge machining on materials under 1” thick.

Request a Quote for Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet cutting is remarkable, adaptable, and extremely precise. At Precision Machining & Fab, we have invested in state-of-the-art technology to bring you the best of this method. Waterjet and abrasive waterjet cutting techniques can be used on an enormous array of materials with minimal waste.

For more information about waterjet cutting or the services we offer, contact us.