WATERJET CUTTING VS. LASER

Thanks to its flexibility and reliability, no heat-affected zone, no secondary finishing, waterjet technology is suitable for both large nesting productions as well as small series and complex specialized applications. Every day, innovative companies are discovering new applications for waterjet cutting, extending their production capacities and increasing their efficiency and profits.

Laser cutting requires the need of expertise, limitations to materials and thickness, second operations, costs up to twice as much as waterjet and emits hazardous fumes—the thermal cutting method makes material melt, resulting in emitted gases and dangerous fumes. These are all things to consider before turning to laser cutting.

KMT Waterjet vs. Laser Cutting: Which Wins for Your Shop?

Both technologies deliver precision — but only waterjet cuts without limits. See the real differences.

Criteria KMT Waterjet Laser Cutting
Material Versatility Any material (metal, stone, glass, composites, food, rubber, foam) Limited to thin metals & some plastics
(Cannot cut glass, stone, or reflective metals like copper)
Thickness Capability Up to 12" (300mm) in steel, titanium, stone Max ~1" (25mm) in steel
Speed drops sharply on thick parts
Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) None – Cold cutting preserves material properties Creates HAZ, warping, burn marks, and micro-cracks
Edge Quality & Finishing Smooth, burr-free edges
Often no secondary finishing needed
Dross, oxidation, requires deburring
Especially on aluminum & stainless
Reflective & Heat-Sensitive Materials No issue – Cuts copper, brass, titanium, composites, laminates Reflects beam or burns material
Risk of damage to optics
Operating Cost (per hour) $35–$60
(Abrasive + power + wear parts)
$25–$45
(Gas + power + lens/nozzle)
Speed on Thin Metal (<0.25") Slower than laser Faster – Best for high-volume thin sheet
Best For Thick, exotic, or heat-sensitive parts
Prototypes, stone, food, aerospace, custom fab
High-speed thin metal signage, electronics, automotive panels

Win with KMT Waterjet when precision, versatility, and material integrity matter most.

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