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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