Waterjet cutting

Waterjet Cutting: Precision and Adaptability

Waterjet cutting is an advanced technology that uses a mixture of high-pressure water and fine sand to make precise cuts in glass. Unlike other cutting methods, such as CNC, Waterjet does not polish the edges of the glass, but is particularly effective for making holes or complex cuts. This technique is used for industrial, architectural or decorative applications requiring precise cutting without altering the internal structure of the glass.

Waterjet process and operation

The powerful jet cuts through the material, leaving a clean but rough finish. This process is ideal for glass of various thicknesses, from very thin (6 mm) to thicker (up to 12 mm).

• Fast cutting for thin glass: For glass thicknesses of 6 mm and below, cutting is fast and precise, as the water jet penetrates the glass rapidly, minimizing the risk of cracking.
• Slower cutting for thicker glass: When glass thickness exceeds 8 mm, the cutting process becomes slower. The tool must progressively pierce the entire thickness without damaging the glass, requiring greater care to avoid fractures.
• Maximum dimensions: The Waterjet can work on glass sheets measuring up to 115 x 57 inches, offering great flexibility for medium to large-scale projects.

Waterjet applications

Particularly useful for specific applications where precision cutting is essential, but edge finishing is not. Waterjet-cut edges often require additional treatment, such as polishing or specific finishing, if they are to be exposed.

This method is also suitable for complex shapes or customized notches in glass. Whether for mounting holes, asymmetrical cut-outs or more elaborate shapes, Waterjet offers the flexibility to adapt glass to specific technical constraints.

Waterjet vs CNC : When to choose one or the other?

Although the Waterjet is an effective solution for many applications, it’s important to know when to use it versus a CNC machine. In general:

• Using the Waterjet: When the glass is thin and the main objective is fast cutting without polishing the edges.
• Using the CNC: For cuts requiring polished edge finishes or when very precise shapes with clean edges are required. It is also better suited to complex interior cuts and for thicker or larger pieces of glass.

Finally, Waterjet cutting is an essential method for fast, accurate glass cutting, especially for projects requiring cuts on thin glass or complex shapes. However, for exposed edges requiring a careful finish, it may be necessary to complete the process with polishing, or opt for a method such as CNC.