Waterjet vs. Laser Cutting: Which Is Right for Your Project?

When it comes to precision cutting technologies, two methods dominate the conversation: waterjet and laser cutting. While both can deliver exceptional results, they have distinct strengths that make each more suitable for different types of projects. In this article, we’ll break down how each method works, their key differences, and help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.

What Is Waterjet Cutting?

Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with an abrasive like garnet, to cut through materials. Because it’s a cold-cutting process, it doesn’t generate heat, meaning there’s no risk of heat distortion, warping, or hardening. It’s especially useful for thick or heat-sensitive materials.

Key advantages of waterjet cutting:

Cuts almost any material, including metals, stone, glass, composites, and rubber
Ideal for thick materials, often over 100 mm thick
Produces smooth, burr-free edges without heat-affected zones
No hazardous fumes or need for ventilation
Suitable for intricate designs and irregular shapes

What Is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting, on the other hand, uses a focused beam of light to melt or vaporise material. It’s a highly efficient method for thin to medium-thickness materials and excels in speed, accuracy, and consistency.

Key advantages of laser cutting:

High-speed cutting for production efficiency
Exceptional precision and detail, great for complex geometries
Clean edges and minimal post-processing
Lower operating costs for standard metals and plastics
Best suited for thin to medium-thick materials (typically up to 25 mm)

How Do They Compare?

Materials & Thickness

Waterjet cutting can handle virtually any material and is especially strong when dealing with dense or layered materials like stone, titanium, or glass. Laser cutting is ideal for metals, acrylics, and woods, though it may struggle with reflective or highly heat-sensitive materials.

Precision & Detail

Both methods offer excellent precision. Laser cutting has the edge when ultra-fine detail is needed, for instance, in electronics or custom signage. Waterjet is extremely precise too, but better suited for applications where thermal distortion must be avoided.

Speed & Cost

Laser cutting is generally faster, especially for thin materials, and is often more economical for high-volume runs. Waterjet cutting is slightly slower and has higher operating costs due to the abrasive media and water usage.

Environmental Considerations

Waterjet cutting produces no hazardous fumes and the water can be recycled, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Laser cutting can emit fumes when cutting plastics or coated metals, requiring proper ventilation.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose waterjet cutting if you’re working with thick, dense, or heat-sensitive materials, or you need to cut a wide range of materials with precision and clean finishes.

Choose laser cutting if your project involves high-volume production, intricate designs, or materials like sheet metal, plastics, or wood — especially where speed and efficiency matter.

Still Not Sure?

At NorthWest Waterjet, we offer both laser and waterjet cutting services tailored to your exact needs. Whether you’re unsure which method suits your project, or you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help you find the most effective solution.

Waterjet vs. Laser Cutting: Which Is Right for Your Project?