It is essential to be familiar with all the options available when choosing the right cutting tool for you. Some methods are better suited for intricate and fine work while others can handle thicker materials. Waterjet cutting, wire EDM, laser cutting, and plasma cutting are the most popular cutting methods on the market.
Waterjet cutting is a process that uses high-pressure water and an abrasive to make materials cut into the desired shapes. It can cut almost any material and provides precise cuts without using heat. EDM (wire electrical discharge machining) is a highly specialized process that involves the passage of an electrically charged wire strand through a workpiece. This causes an electrical discharge from it, which erodes the metal in an extremely controlled and precise manner. Laser cutting involves focusing a powerful laser beam on the workpiece to melt and vaporize material, creating a precise cut. Plasma cutting is only possible for conductive metals. It uses a high-speed plasma jet to cut through the material.
Each cutting process has its own set of advantages and uses. Waterjet cutting is the most versatile, but the EDM, laser and plasma cutting options offer their own advantages for specific products and applications. This blog will help you decide which cutting method is best for you.
Waterjet vs. Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is quicker and more economical for cutting thin materials than waterjet cutting, but it does have some material restrictions. Waterjet cutting can shape almost any material including metal, plastics, rubber, and stones. Laser cutting is limited to metals because it uses heat to cut. Some plastics, such as composites, and wood, can be cut using a laser, but at a reduced thickness. Lasers evaporate the material which can cause fumes in non-metal materials that can be very toxic. Lasers can also be difficult to use for cutting certain metals, such as copper, brass and manganese.
Laser cutting can be more precise for cutting intricate or detailed patterns but it is not able to cut through thick materials like waterjets. Waterjets can cut materials too thick for other methods. Lasers are able to cut in thinner metals quickly and have a narrower kerf which makes them ideal for precise detail cutting. It is important to remember that laser cutting generates heat and detailed parts may overheat or warp. Waterjets, however, produce very little heat.
Waterjet vs. Plasma cutting
Plasma cutting is a method that uses high-velocity plasma to cut conductive materials. The cutting is fast and costs less than other methods. It’s also less precise than waterjet and laser cutting. Cutting via Plasma can also cause distortions or warping of the edges, making it unsuitable to do fine or detailed work. Plasma cutting is a quick and inexpensive option that doesn’t require much precision. Waterjet cutting is a better option if you need precise, detailed cuts that don’t pose a risk of edge deformation.
Waterjet vs. Wire EDM Cutting
The precision of wire EDM machines is unmatched by any other type of cutting machine. They can cut thin and thick metals with a high degree of accuracy. You can produce parts that are precise within tenths of a thousandth of a millimeter, eliminating the need to use secondary machining. Wire EDM is slower than waterjet cutting and can be more costly in situations where waterjet tolerances are acceptable. EDM can only cut metals while waterjets can cut almost any material. It is ultimately up to the user what surface finish and tolerances they require before deciding between EDM or waterjet cutting. Waterjet cutting is the best choice for products that require quick and accurate machined-quality precision. Waterjet cutting is cheaper than EDM wire even if the part must be machined.
