Waterjet Cutting...
What is Waterjet Cutting?

The process of waterjet cutting is actually pretty simple. Water is pressurized to 55,000 psi by hydraulic intensification, and then forced through a small orifice in the cutting head. Inside a mixing tube, abrasive is mixed with the high pressure water, creating an abrasive water stream that exits the nozzle at about 1.5 times the speed of sound. Through a combination of micro erosion(grinding) and a shear yielding of the material a narrow section of material(called the kerf) is removed all the way through the thickness.


What can be cut using a waterjet?

Waterjets cut most materials including metals, plastics, stone, glass, foam, and ceramics. Because there is no heat and no work induced stress incurred in the cutting process, almost any material is suitable for waterjet cutting. In the capabilities list below are some common material thicknesses we cut at Merbeth Metal Products.


lineMaximum capabilities:

  • 72"x144" maximum cutting area  
  • 4" thick aluminum  
  • 2" thick mild steel  
  • 2" thick stainless steel  
  • 2" thick copper and brass