Waterjet Cutting Services Lancashire & The North West
At Northwest Waterjet, we specialise in high-precision waterjet cutting, delivering fast turnarounds and flawless results. Our three industry-leading OMAX Waterjet machines use ultra-high-pressure water—up to 50,000 PSI—to slice through materials with absolute precision. This advanced cutting technique ensures no heat-affected zones, no hardened edges, and unparalleled accuracy on every project.
What Can We Cut? Almost Anything!
From thick steels (including hardened tool steels), titanium, copper, and brass, to plastics, acrylics, wood, ceramics, stone, and even foam for case inserts—our waterjet machines handle it all. Unlike lasers, we can also cut reflective materials with ease.
Looking for engineering-grade precision? Our Taper Compensation Heads allow us to cut parts straight to final specification, eliminating the need for secondary finishing.
Waterjet Cutting Capabilities
Our waterjet cutting service is designed for demanding engineering and manufacturing applications where accuracy, material integrity, and flexibility are essential.
Typical capabilities include:
- Maximum cutting thickness: up to 200mm, depending on material
- Accuracy: high-precision cutting with consistent edge quality
- No heat-affected zone (HAZ): ideal for heat-sensitive materials
- No material distortion or hardening
We regularly cut:
- Mild steel, stainless steel, tool steels
- Aluminium and non-ferrous metals
- Titanium, copper, brass
- Plastics, acrylics, composites
- Rubber, foam, gaskets, and soft materials
If you’re unsure whether waterjet cutting is suitable for your application, our team is happy to advise.
Typical Waterjet Cutting Specifications
| Material | Typical Maximum Thickness | Typical Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | Up to 200mm | ±0.1mm |
| Stainless Steel | Up to 150mm | ±0.1mm |
| Aluminium | Up to 120mm | ±0.1mm |
| Plastics & Composites | Material dependent | ±0.15mm |
| Rubber, Foam & Soft Materials | Material dependent | High precision |
Get in Touch about our Water Jetting service
Why Choose Northwest Waterjet?
✅ Fast Turnaround: Need it quickly? We’re known for our speed and reliability.
✅ Unmatched Precision: No heat, no warping—just perfect cuts, every time.
✅ Versatile Cutting: From industrial metals to intricate designs, we handle all projects.
✅ CAD Design Service: No file? No problem! Our CAD service brings your ideas to life.
✅ Nationwide Delivery: Based in Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Skelmersdale or beyond? We ship anywhere in the UK!
Industries & Applications
Our waterjet cutting service is trusted by businesses across a wide range of industries where precision, material integrity, and flexibility are critical. From one-off prototypes to repeat production runs, we support customers at every stage of their manufacturing process.
We regularly provide waterjet cutting for:
Engineering & Manufacturing
Precision components, brackets, plates, and structural parts cut accurately with no heat-affected zones.
Industrial & Heavy Industry
Thick steel plates, hardened tool steels, and robust components where conventional cutting methods fall short.
Automotive & Motorsport
Custom parts, mounting plates, gaskets, and prototype components requiring tight tolerances and consistent quality.
Aerospace & High-Performance Applications
Heat-sensitive and high-value materials such as aluminium, titanium, and specialist alloys.
Signage & Architectural Fabrication
Decorative metal, lettering, panels, and bespoke design features cut cleanly and accurately.
Foam, Rubber & Case Inserts
Precision-cut foam and soft materials for protective packaging, tool control systems, and bespoke cases.
Whether you require a single custom component or ongoing production support, our waterjet cutting capability allows us to deliver accurate, repeatable results across a wide range of applications.
WATERJET CUTTING VS LASER CUTTING – WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Both waterjet cutting and laser cutting offer high levels of precision, but each process is suited to different materials and applications. Choosing the right cutting method can improve part quality, reduce costs, and shorten lead times.
Waterjet cutting is the preferred option when:
- Cutting very thick materials
- Working with heat-sensitive metals or plastics
- Cutting reflective materials such as copper, brass, or aluminium
- Material integrity is critical, with no heat-affected zone
- Cutting composite, rubber, foam, stone, or ceramics
Laser cutting is often better suited for:
- Thin sheet metal
- High-volume production runs
- Very fine detailing on thinner materials
- Applications where speed on thin materials is the priority
Because we offer both waterjet cutting and laser cutting, we can recommend the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your project based on material, thickness, tolerance, and quantity.
If you’re unsure which process is right for your application, our team is happy to advise.
| Feature | Waterjet Cutting | Laser Cutting |
|---|---|---|
| Heat affected zone | ❌ None | ✅ Present |
| Max material thickness | Very high | Limited |
| Reflective materials | Excellent | Limited |
| Thin sheet speed | Moderate | Very fast |
Waterjet Cutting – Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is waterjet cutting?
Waterjet cutting offers excellent accuracy and repeatability, making it suitable for engineering-grade components, precision parts, and detailed designs. Our advanced taper compensation technology helps ensure parts are cut accurately to final specification.
What materials can you waterjet cut?
We can waterjet cut a wide range of materials including mild steel, stainless steel, tool steels, aluminium, titanium, copper, brass, plastics, acrylics, composites, rubber, foam, stone, and ceramics.
Can you cut very thick materials?
Yes. Waterjet cutting is ideal for thick materials and can cut up to 200mm, depending on the material type. This makes it suitable for applications where laser or plasma cutting is not practical.
Do you offer one-off parts and prototypes?
Absolutely. We regularly produce one-off components, prototypes, small batch runs, and larger production quantities. Whether your project is a single part or ongoing production, we can support your requirements.
What file formats do you accept for waterjet cutting?
We can work from common CAD formats such as DXF and DWG. If you don’t have a suitable drawing, our CAD design service can help turn your idea into a cut-ready file.
Do you offer nationwide delivery?
Yes. While we are based in the North West, we supply customers across the UK and offer reliable nationwide delivery.
Green, Efficient, and Cost-Effective
Waterjet cutting is one of the most eco-friendly cutting methods available. No gases, no excessive waste—just water and naturally occurring abrasives. Plus, we can cut materials up to 200mm thick, far beyond the limits of laser or plasma cutters.
Let’s Get Cutting!
With over a decade of experience and a trusted reputation across the North West, we’re the go-to team for precision waterjet cutting.
Call us today on 01257 650050 or email sales@northwestwaterjet.co.uk for a free quote.
Whether you need a one-off prototype or high-volume production, we deliver on speed, precision, and quality. Let’s bring your project to life!